The Rugby League Players Association is pleased to announce Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has won the Player of the Month award for June, as voted by NRL players.
Isaiya was voted Player of the Month for June ahead of fellow nominees Joseph Tapine and Gehamat Shibasaki. This was his first ever Player of the Month win, after picking up his first nomination in April.
At just 21 years old, Isaiya has rapidly cemented his place as one of the NRL’s most exciting playmakers. Isaiya dominated the competition throughout June, with seven try assists and creating a commanding presence in the Dolphins’ spine.
Isaiya’s form has not gone unnoticed either, with the halfback earning a maiden call-up to the NSW Blues State of Origin camp. He also made history by captaining the Dolphins in Round 16 — becoming the youngest NRL skipper since Blues incumbent halfback Nathan Cleary in 2019.
Katoa is quickly emerging as one of the competition’s most creative halves and a genuine star of, not just the future, but today.
The Player of the Month award is presented by Levels Network, with the winners and nominees announced by Justin Horo and Willie Mason on their podcast each month.
Isaiya Katoa Stats for June
- Four games
- Seven try assists
- Two line breaks
- Five tackle breaks
- An average of 138 run metres.
Jamie Buhrer Praises Isaiya Katoa
“On behalf of the RLPA, I’d like to congratulate Isaiya Katoa on being voted the RLPA’s Player of the Month for June, as voted by NRL players,” said Jamie Buhrer, the RLPA’s General Manager of Player and Football Operations.
“Isaiya’s performances throughout June have been exceptional. His vision, composure, and ability to unlock defences have made him one of the most exciting young halves in the game. Isaiya is truly deserving of this recognition from his peers, with his outstanding play making the Dolphins’ attack one of the most entertaining to watch in 2025.”
Winners of the Player of the Month
Cody Walker – May 2023
Scott Drinkwater – June 2023
Shaun Johnson – July 2023
Kalyn Ponga – August 2023
Dylan Edwards – March 2024
Jahrome Hughes – April 2024
Angus Crichton – May 2024
Angus Crichton – June 2024
Jahrome Hughes – July 2024
Jahrome Hughes – August 2024
Payne Haas – March 2025
Terrell May – April 2025
Luke Metcalf – May 2025
Isaiya Katoa – June 2025
