The making of a Warrior: How lessons from a teammate unlocked the potential of Warriors back rower Eliesa Katoa

Eliesa Katoa in possession for the Warriors. Photo / Photosport

Warriors back rower Eliesa Katoa doesn't need to look too far for his ultimate NRL role model.

He's there at every training session and beside him in every game.

Katoa has been one of the Warriors biggest recruitment successes in recent years, a schoolboy rugby star who has found his feet in the 13-a-side code.

It's been a phenomenal rise.

Until mid-2019 he had never played the sport, but he quickly became an automatic inclusion after making his debut in round one last year and was a formidable presence on the edge.

But it hasn't been straightforward, and Katoa credits teammate Tohu Harris as his biggest influence, who has shaped him into the player he has become.

Like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck with the backs, Harris sets the standard among the pack, after 170 games with the Storm and the Warriors.

"Oh man, I could just stand here and talk about [so many things] that I learnt from Tohu," said Katoa.

"But you know, ever since I switched to rugby league, I was looking up to him. The way he played, the way he carried himself on the field and off the field."

Harris was the 2020 Warriors player of the year after a superlative season, switching between prop and second row in gruelling 80-minute spells.

Regarded as a model professional, he's played a crucial role in Katoa's development.

"Every training session, if I'm not sure about doing anything, even little things, trying to improve my defence, I always go up to him and say, hey mate, how do you do that?," explained Katoa.

"He is always happy to help me and he tells me the things that I should be doing to improve my game."

The lessons have paid off and Katoa has made a positive start to 2021, responding well to the pressure of backing up an outstanding rookie season.

"I'm still learning the game," said Katoa. "One thing I need to focus on in my game is my defence, trying to stay consistent with my defence. So far it's going alright.

Katoa is unconcerned about the prospect of being targeted, after often going under the radar last year.

"[There are] heaps of players in my position but I'm just trying to look after myself. I'll do what the coach tells me to do and just focus on my job."

Ahead of their first away game in Canberra tomorrow afternoon, Katoa hopes the Warriors can benefit from more relaxed travel arrangements in 2021.

Last season the Covid-19 situation meant that the team was usually travelling on the day of the game, hardly an ideal situation for high performance sport.

This year is different, with the Warriors making the trip to Canberra on Friday afternoon, before a post-match flight home.

"It's a lot easier than last year," noted Katoa.

The unbeaten Raiders have been one of the top teams so far in 2021, on the back of their impressive pack, with wins over the Tigers and Sharks.

"No doubt they will be coming out strong," said Katoa. "I remember the last time I played against them (round two, 2020) I was against Joseph Tapine.

"He's a Kiwis player and a really good player and I was just excited. It's the same again this week – I can't wait to meet them in the middle."

Warriors v Raiders

Saturday, 5pm, GIO Stadium

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. David Fusitu'a, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Sean O'Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Bunty Afoa, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Tohu Harris

Interchange (from): Jazz Tevaga, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Leeson Ah Mau, Jack Murchie, Tom Ale, Marcelo Montoya.

Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Iosia Soliola, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joseph Tapine

Interchange (from): Siliva Havili, Ryan Sutton, , Ryan James, Tom Starling, Caleb Aekins, Sebastian Kris.