EXCLUSIVE: Darren Lockyer's huge call ahead of 'master vs apprentice' battle

Darren Lockyer has heaped enormous praise on Dolphins young gun Isaiya Katoa and believes he is "the closest version" to emulating Nathan Cleary.

The 21-year-old has been a shining light for the Redcliffe-based outfit early in the year, despite the side only winning one of their opening five matches.

Katoa played a starring role in the Dolphins' victory against the Titans last weekend, but will face a tough assignment on Thursday night against reigning premiers Penrith.

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Originally from the Panthers system, Katoa moved up north as one of the most highly-touted young playmakers in the country and has started to show his potential.

And in the best endorsement of his undeniable talent yet, Lockyer backed the halfback to rise to the occasion against the game's best player in Cleary.

"I think Katoa is probably the closest version you get to Nathan," he said on Wide World of Sports' QLDER.

"The style that he plays, he runs a lot and Nathan runs a lot as well.

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"It's really interesting, it's the master vs the apprentice.

"I reckon with Katoa, it will motivate him and he will play out of his skin."

Katoa's statistics early in the season don't jump off the page, registering just two try assists, but his 113 run metres per game are up their with the league's top halves.

Lockyer also believes after a confidence-building win last weekend, Kristian Woolf's men could be primed to upset a vulnerable Penrith side.

"I give them a red-hot chance," he said.

"I know Penrith, you can't write them off, but the Dolphins after that performance and getting their energy back, they are gonna be hard to beat."