NRL 2022: Kevin Walters blunt call that saw Jamayne Isaako leave Broncos for Titans
Former Bronco Jamayne Isaako has revealed the content of the conversation that saw him seek an immediate release to join the Gold Coast Titans.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Titans signing Jamayne Isaako has opened up about his abrupt departure from the Broncos, revealing coach Kevin Walters left him with no confidence about his NRL future and he was disappointed with his hasty exit.
Isaako, 25, trained with his new Gold Coast teammates for the first time on Thursday, just 48 hours after securing an immediate release from his Broncos contract. He is unlikely to play in Saturday night’s clash against the Raiders in Canberra.
After 77 NRL games with the Broncos since debuting in 2017, Isaako found himself on the outer at Red Hill when he was dropped after Brisbane’s round 1 win against South Sydney to accommodate the return of fullback Tesi Niu from injury.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
The New Zealand international, who has signed with expansion club the Dolphins from next year, sought clarity from Walters about where he stood in the Broncos’ pecking order and was convinced leaving the club was his best option.
“I had a conversation with Kevvie which didn’t really give me too much confidence,” Isaako said.
“He said there were a couple of guys ahead of me. For the betterment of my future and playing career I thought it was a good idea (to leave).
“I worked extremely hard over the pre-season to earn a spot in the team, but it wasn’t meant to be in the eyes of the coaching staff there.
“I sat down and spoke with my manager and family and thought it was a good opportunity to come here. I feel like I’ll have more of an opportunity to play.
“I’m extremely disappointed (with how it ended). I wanted to finish off on a high and finish my contract there, but it wasn’t meant to be.
“I thought I had a pretty good pre-season. I ripped in and did everything required of me.
“As the start of the season unfolded, Tesi dropped back into the team, which is all well and good.
“In the conversations we had, I didn’t get the confidence I was even going to play unless there was an injury.”
Isaako was dropped multiple times last year during Walters’ first season at Red Hill, but the coach insisted he had no problems with the winger-fullback and didn’t know he would be joined the Broncos’ M1 rivals.
“There’s no issue with Jamayne,” Walters said.
“He has been a very good player for us but his manager came to us with a release and we decided he is free to go. He is going to the Dolphins next year anyway so I wish him all the best.
“We have good depth here. I didn’t know where he was going but it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. We left on good terms and I hope Jamayne plays well for the Titans.”
There were murmurs about Isaako exiting the Broncos prematurely since he committed to the Dolphins as one of the club’s first signings.
He was also at the centre of controversy last year following a mid-season meeting with Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire, despite being contracted to the Broncos.
Parramatta made inquiries about his availability before the NRL season started and there were reports he was headed to the Eels before the Titans move was confirmed.
Isaako admitted he contemplated joining the Eels, but was reluctant to leave Brisbane and will instead provide cover at the Titans for young fullback Jayden Campbell.
“There were talks (with Parramatta),” Isaako said.
“I left it up to my manager. I said ‘I don’t want to hear about it until something is finalised’.
“I didn’t want to go to Sydney. An opportunity came up here and it was fitting living in Brisbane and not having to make the move. I didn’t want to go to Sydney with a young family and with the contract at the Dolphins for the year after.
“Justin (Holbrook, Titans coach) said there were spots I could crack and play some good footy over the next seven months so that’s what I want to do.
“I’ve played 80-odd games for the Broncos and have a bit of experience. I’ll do whatever I can to help Jayden and guide him.”
FIVE TEAMS JOIN BATTLE FOR BRISBANE YOUNG GUN
Brisbane are facing a $1.5 million battle to retain Herbie Farnworth with five NRL rivals, including Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins, set to launch big-money poaching raids on the Broncos flyer.
The Broncos’ fight to keep Farnworth has been helped by their decision to authorise an immediate release for Jamayne Isaako, whose move to derby rivals the Titans will help free-up funds in the salary cap.
Farnworth produced the best game of his 43-match NRL career against the Bulldogs on Sunday night, scoring two tries and amassing 230 metres and four tackle busts at left centre to inspire Brisbane’s gutsy 16-10 victory at Homebush.
The performance has turned up the heat on the Broncos to upgrade Farnworth, who is off-contract at season’s end and ready to open talks from round 4 as the battle for his signature intensifies.
News Corp understands NRL suitors are armed with three-year offers worth $500,000 a season for Farnworth, who was named Brisbane’s best back last year in a 2021 campaign that attracted the attention of British Test selectors.
Former England coach Bennett, now in charge at the Dolphins, is a fan of the 22-year-old and the NRL expansion newcomers are prepared to play him at right centre, Farnworth’s preferred position, to prise him from the Broncos.
Farnworth is expected to make a definitive call on his future by next month and Broncos head of football Ben Ikin is determined to keep the hard-running utility back at Red Hill.
“Herbie has advised us he wants to wait until round four to begin negotiations and we have respected that request,” Ikin said.
“It depends how much the other clubs will be prepared to bid for Herbie, but he’s a guy we want to keep.
“We have a number of good young players coming off-contract and ideally you want to keep all the players you feel are an important part of what you are trying to build.
“We understand there are market forces out there that impact what you are trying to do. That’s what happens in an industry governed by the salary cap.
“Herbie is a very good NRL player. He is a terrific ball runner, every week and every season he continues to play, he keeps learning and growing.
“He is right at the start of his journey and he is showing us a lot of good stuff. I have no doubt there will be a whole host of clubs looking to have a crack at him.”
While Brisbane hope to keep Farnworth, Isaako’s career at the Broncos is over, with the Kiwi Test ace securing an early-season release to the Titans.
Isaako started the premiership at fullback against Souths in the season opener but he saw the writing on the wall after he was axed to accommodate the return of Tesi Niu (hamstring) for the Canterbury clash.
Isaako will join Bennett’s Dolphins next season with the 25-year-old to provide short-term cover for rookie Titans fullback Jayden Campbell.
“Jamayne has made a fantastic contribution to the Broncos over the years,” Ikin said.
“Kevin Walters (Broncos coach) and Simon Scanlan (development chief) worked through our options and felt we had enough cover in the positions that Jamayne plays.
“Jamayne played 77 games for the club, he was a valuable member of our organisation and that will always remain the case.”
ISAAKO BOMBSHELL: OUTCAST JOINS BRONCOS’ QLD RIVAL
Jamayne Isaako’s career at the Broncos is over with the Kiwi Test star agreeing to an early-season transfer to the Titans.
The 25-year-old will link with the Titans immediately after his management came to terms with Gold Coast hierarchy in the lead-up to Brisbane’s round 3 clash against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.
The Eels were also interested in Isaako but the Broncos utility back opted for the Titans to remain in Queensland.
Isaako started the premiership at fullback against Souths, but Tesi Niu’s return to the side from injury saw the goalkicking utility back dropped for last Sunday’s clash against the Bulldogs.
That convinced Isaako he was on borrowed time at the Broncos and unlikely to feature in the top squad this year barring injury to Niu or other members of the backline.
Isaako has already inked a deal with NRL expansion newcomers the Dolphins for 2023, meaning his stint at the Titans will be brief before he shifts to the NRL’s 17th team.
The Titans have blooded Jayden Campbell in the No. 1 jumper but Isaako will provide coverage at the back and on the flanks with his experience and goalkicking ability.
Last month, Isaako told News Corp he hadn’t given up hope of being Brisbane’s No. 1 fullback this season following Niu’s pre-season setback.
“I absolutely see myself as a fullback,” he said.
The @GCTitans have signed Jamayne Isaako from @brisbanebroncos as fullback cover for Jayden Campbell for the remainder of the 2022 season. #NRL@cmail_sporthttps://t.co/0yiHFcP4Fgpic.twitter.com/TReAFt2zgu
— Travis Meyn (@travismeyn) March 22, 2022
“I enjoy playing in the No. 1 jumper and it’s a position I think I can succeed in. I will be trying my hardest to get that spot for round one and I’m confident I can do the job for the Kevvie. There’s three or four of us in pre-season who have been jostling for that spot, but ultimately it’s up to Kevvie and he has a tough choice to make.
“I feel like I am forgotten sometimes, but I don’t worry too much about it because I have my faith and I believe everything happens for a reason.”
Isaako explained his decision to quit the Broncos to link with Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins next year.
“The opportunity came up out of the blue,” he said.
“We had just finished an army camp and my manager contacted me and said the Dolphins were keen. At the time they were offering me a really good deal. I have two young kids now and I am doing my best to provide for them and give them a better future.
“I’ve been in and out of the Broncos team, so I think the security of the long-term contract from the Dolphins was too good to refuse.
“I’ve also played under Wayne before, he was the guy who gave me my start in the NRL, so I’m looking forward to being coached by him again.
“I haven’t lost my confidence. I have worked really hard with people outside of football in the pre-season helping me to trust in myself and believe in myself.
“A lot of guys have ability at this level, but it’s the confidence side of things that can bring you down.”
Join the conversation
Summoned: Addo-Carr forced to front NRL to save career
Bulldogs superstar Josh Addo-Carr has been summoned to front the NRL integrity unit as he fights to save his career following a positive cocaine test.
Read more
Every club’s road map to the NRL grand final
Welcome to do or die rugby league. This is how the next three weeks looks for every team still alive in the NRL finals. PAM WHALEY predicts the 2024 premiership winner.
Read more