NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos recruit Jesse Arthars emerges as fullback contender

Jamayne Isaako is in the box seat to take the the No.1 jersey at the Broncos in 2020, but another bolter has emerged in the pre-season and is pushing to take the coveted jersey for Round 1.

The Broncos have unearthed a shock contender for the club’s famous No.1 jersey, with Titans recruit Jesse Arthars emerging as a genuine challenger for Brisbane’s fullback duties.

Arthars and Kiwi Test representative Jamayne Isaako are locked in a two-way tussle for Brisbane’s fullback jersey a month out from pre-season trials.

While Isaako was considered the front-runner for the role, Arthars has thrown his hat into the ring after impressing coach Anthony Seibold since joining the Broncos.

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The Broncos are Arthars’ fourth NRL club in four years, with the 21-year-old Kiwi having spent time with the Storm, Rabbitohs and Titans before arriving at Red Hill.

He played 12 NRL games at centre and wing for the Titans last year in his debut season, but is a red-hot chance of seeing game time at fullback for the Broncos in 2020.

Jesse Arthars during a Brisbane Broncos training session at the Broncos Leagues Club. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

Arthars said fullback was his preferred position and he was doing all he could to secure an NRL berth this year.

“I really enjoy fullback,” he said.

“I’ve played a lot of the lower grades at fullback. I do enjoy playing there.

“I can bring a lot of speed out the back. I can talk a lot. It depends what Seibs wants from his fullback.

“That’s why we are all going hard for the spot. If that’s not the position for me here then I’m happy to fill in where they need me.

“There is a lot of competition here. That’s what’s so good about this club. Everyone is competing really hard.

“It’s going to be a grind to see who gets the No. 1 jersey.”

New recruit Jesse Arthars is seen during a Brisbane Broncos. Picture: AAP Image/Glenn Hunt

The Broncos’ No.1 jersey is a coveted position having been made famous by arguably the club’s greatest ever player, Darren Lockyer.

Former Queensland Origin star Darius Boyd has seemingly dropped out of contention for his favoured position as Seibold looks to usher in the next generation of talent.

Arthars is a swift mover on the field and while Isaako is in the box seat for fullback, Seibold is a huge fan of Arthars.

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“I’ve had experience with Seibs before at Souths (2018),” Arthars said.

“I had a year under him and enjoyed my time there. I learnt a lot. I progressed as a footy player.

“It’s good to be back working under Seibs. When I was with Seibs at Souths I felt like I learnt so much.

“When he moved up here he gave me a call and we had a meeting. I was really excited to link back up with him because I knew under Seibold I’d get my best development.

“That’s why I made the decision (to leave the Titans).”

The Broncos trained at Red Hill on Friday morning with winger Corey Oates having a light run on the field in his return from a leg infection.