Isaiya Katoa playing rugby for Barker College in his last year of school.Credit: Barker College
The most compelling trait he shares with Cleary could well be how the former Penrith junior talks of his craft, per a lengthy podcast with ex-playmaker Isaac John in July.
“The best thing I find about rugby league is there is always something to learn, there’s always something you can better yourself at, whether it’s your attack or your defence,” Katoa, the kid who first met Bennett wearing his school uniform, said.
“If you play halfback, it’s your kicking game, passing selection. Honestly, you make that many decisions in a game. Whether you’re going to get it wrong or right, that’s not the biggest thing.
“It’s always about, if you do get it right, ‘All right, what went right? What did you see, what made you make that decision?’
“Or if you got it wrong, ‘What’s the better decision to make there?’ I’ve …