Tonga prepare to launch their Pacific Championships campaign and all eyes will be on rising star Isaiya Katoa to be ready to steer his nation against fierce rivals Samoa on Sunday afternoon.
More than 40,000 fans are expected to pack Brisbane’s iconic Suncorp Stadium, a venue steeped in rugby league history and one that holds special meaning for both Katoa and Queensland great Allan Langer.
For Langer, the ground was his playground throughout the 1990s, a stage where he dazzled for the Broncos, Maroons, and Kangaroos.
For Katoa, it’s fast becoming the backdrop to his own emergence as one of the game’s most exciting young playmakers.
MORE: Penrith want recently married star to be ‘Panther for life’ beyond 2026
Langer, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to dominate in the halves, offered glowing praise for the 21-year-old ahead of Tonga’s Pacific showdown.
“He’s a special talent,” Langer told NRL.com.
“I haven’t seen too many young halves play as well as he has at such a young age. I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of him throughout his career.
“He puts players around him on his inside and outside and puts pressure on his defender to make a decision. Like any good halfback he carries the ball in two hands and is impressive to watch.
“He’s very mature for a young player. It’s not just his attack, he’s a great defender, kicks well and has a good overall game.”
Still only 21, Katoa has already proven his composure on the international stage, most notably slotting the winning field goal in Tonga’s upset victory over New Zealand in Auckland last year.
With Langer’s praise ringing in his ears and Tonga chasing Pacific glory, Katoa’s next challenge awaits and it’s clear he’s earning respect from the legends who once ruled the same turf.