The Dolphins are not fazed about missing out on the prize signature of Ben Hunt because in Isaiya Katoa they already have an elite No.7 who can lead them for the next decade.
That's the view of veteran forward Kenny Bromwich in the wake of former St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt knocking back the Dolphins' lucrative offer to sign with Brisbane.
On Tuesday the 34-year-old rejoined the Broncos to chase a long-held dream of winning a premiership with the club that gave him his start.
There was no sense of disappointment when Bromwich spoke after Dolphins training on Thursday about Hunt's call.
"I don’t mind. It will be good to see him go back (to the Broncos) and finish his career there," Bromwich said.
"We have got solid halves and a lot of depth, so I am not too fussed.
"Isaiya is developing real well as a player and he’s calm. We saw what he did in the international games with the Tongan boys.
"I think he is going to be around for a long time playing good footy."
The great Andrew Johns has often waxed lyrical about Katoa's playmaking skills when commentating.
The Tongan international has already played 44 NRL games and is signed to the club until the end of the 2028 season.
Katoa gained invaluable experience in the three Tests he played. After a below-par display in the first Test against Australia, he then had a blinder and kicked the winning field goal in the 25-24 win over the Kiwis, before impressing in a narrow 20-14 loss to the Kangaroos in the final.
The work ethic of 20-year-old Katoa is one of his great strengths.
Katoa and halves partner Kodi Nikorima played for Tonga and New Zealand respectively in the Pacific Cup. The duo returned to training on Thursday two weeks ahead of schedule to fine-tune their combination.
"(Katoa) hasn’t skipped a beat. He is looking sharp," Bromwich said.
"For those two to come in early has lifted the standard and lifts all the other boys around them.
"I don’t expect them to come back early, but it just shows where they want to be as footy players and where this club wants to be."
Nikorima has signed until the end of 2026. The Dolphins have halves back-up, with Sean O'Sullivan still on the books and Fiji international Kurt Donoghoe another option.
Centre Jake Averillo played No.6 in the 40-6 thrashing of Brisbane last season and can also fill in if required.
