Dolphins’ halfback Isaiya Katoa has missed a last minute chance to be called into the New South Wales State of Origin team for tonight’s opening game of the series.
Blues performance manager Frank Ponissi said they had been considering the 22 year-old Phins’ halfback as a replacement for the injured Mitch Moses.
However, they realised Katoa was unable to play for 11 days after receiving a head knock in last Thursday’s game against the Raiders.
Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton has been brought into the Blues’ side instead on the reserve’s bench while Ethan Strange is expected to start the game in his Origin debut.
Katoa is seen as a long term replacement for Nathan Cleary.
Phins’ players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Thomas Flegler, Max Plath and Selwyn Cobbo are in the Maroon’s side for tonight’s game while Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is on the extended bench.
