Two Izzys better than one for Tonga as halves reunite
Joel Gould |
Tonga debutant Isaiah Iongi will reunite with old Penrith teammate Isaiya Katoa in what looms as the perfect halves yin and yang combination.
Katoa will run the show at halfback and five-eighth Iongi will run like the wind in the Pacific Cup blockbuster against Samoa at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The two “Izzys” came through the powerhouse Panthers system and had to leave to get the NRL experience they craved – Iongi to Parramatta and Katoa with the Dolphins.
Iongi, 22, is one year older than Katoa but knows him well from their Panthers days.
“I can’t wait to play alongside him,” Iongi said.
“He was a grade below me at Penrith. He was in SG Ball and I was in (Jersey) Flegg. Then he came up into Flegg and we played a couple of games together there.
“He is a unique player. He plays very square, which frees up space for the boys out the back.
“That is going to help my game and create opportunities. I am more of a running half rather than a ‘demanding plays’ half. We have been training this week and (the combination) has come along good.
“I am really excited. I was in camp last year and didn’t get to debut, but this has been a good year and I can’t wait.”
Iongi plays fullback for the Eels but is no stranger to the No.6 jersey. After a breakout season in the NRL, he feels ready to shine in front of an expected crowd of 45,000.
“I played a lot of six growing up, pretty much all through my juniors. When I went to Penrith is when I started playing fullback,” Iongi said.
“I have matured a lot as a footy player.
“I think it is just the experience and learning under players such as Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown that allowed my game to expand.”
Iongi said he was grateful to come through such a strong system at Penrith. Sunday’s clash has a real Panthers flavour. Current Panthers five-eighth Blaize Talagi and former Penrith star Jarome Luai are the opposition halves for Samoa.
Iongi said he had no regrets about leaving Penrith to chase his dream.
“Not really. The best opportunity to be playing NRL level was to move to Parra,” he said.
“It didn’t matter (what position) I played. The decision was purely because of opportunity.”
His halves partner Katoa, who has established himself as one of the game’s leading playmakers, is just as enthused about playing alongside Iongi.
“It is special,” Katoa said.
“We had a couple of games together when we were both Penrith juniors before I left. I am really looking forward to connecting with Izzy. He is a freak.
“You have just got to give him the ball in open space and let him do his thing.”
AAP
