Dolphins star halfback Isaiya Katoa has lifted the lid on his long-term future at the Dolphins following a frenzy of high-profile signings by the PNG Chiefs.
Plenty of Katoa's teammates are without a contract in 2028, including Herbie Farnworth, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jack Bostock, Selwyn Cobbo and many more who can negotiate with rivals for a deal in November this year.
The Chiefs are making their mark on the player market, with tax-free cash to splurge, they have recruited well above expectations.
It's included Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax, Brian To'o along with others, and it's not even November 1 yet.
Despite the heavy noise on the player market, CODE Sports is revealing Katoa has no interest outside of Redcliffe and wants to remain a franchise player, bringing a maiden trophy to the club.
“I'm completely happy here,” Katoa said to CODE.
“To be honest, I've got no aspirations to leave the Dolphins.
“I owe this club everything.
“I know there's other clubs out there and opportunities, but the Dolphins gave me an opportunity straight out of high school to come and live out my dreams.
“My biggest goal is to repay this club.
“I know the biggest way to repay them is with a championship.
“So I'm not looking to go anywhere else ... hopefully I can win a premiership here.”
With a blocked path to NRL level as a 17-year-old in Penrith, Katoa moved to the latest expansion side with a gamble on making it to the top grade, where he has now established himself as one of the premier halves in the competition.
The Tongan international revealed a key reason he made the trip up north, paving the way for him to be coached under one of the greatest of all time.
“It's one of the best decisions I've made in my life so far to come up here and play footy,” he said.
“Initially, I came up here to be coached by Wayne Bennett.
“Especially for someone at such a young age, to come out of high school and go straight away into a first-grade program and be coached by Wayne is something that I couldn't pass up on.
“I love Penrith and I love everything about the club, but for me I had to look at what was the best in terms of my opportunities going forward and how far my game could progress.
“I thought at the time that it was definitely under Wayne Bennett.”
With the NRL's salary cap expected to inflate in 2028, Katoa's next contract could be upwards of one and a half million a year, especially if he decides to see what's out there.
It's rare for a young half to have such a composed kicking and passing game with his limited experience, which would be a mouth-watering sight for expansion clubs looking to build a franchise around a star playmaker.
But the star half remains grounded at Redcliffe and doesn't consider anywhere else home.
Katoa will line up for the Dolphins against the Sea Eagles on Friday night for a chance to push into the top four.
The club remains on the same amount of points as the Sharks, who have a better point differential.
Given history suggests it is critical to finish in the NRL's top four to have a chance at the title, the Dolphins will be looking to finish the regular season in top gear.
