Dolphins sign Jamayne Isaako from Brisbane Broncos for 2023 NRL season
Wayne Bennett gave Jamayne Isaako his debut in 2017, and now the outside back will join him at the Dolphins in 2023. But there’s another reason why the move is promising.
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Outside back Jamayne Isaako has become the first Bronco to sign with new Brisbane rivals the Dolphins after the 25-year-old agreed to a three-year deal from 2023.
Isaako is now the new franchise’s second major signing after securing the services of Melbourne premiership winner and Maroons backrower Felise Kaufusi. Kaufusi is also joining the Dolphins on a three-year deal from 2023.
The Broncos confirmed Isaako would depart the club at the end of season 2022.
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“Jamayne has been in the Broncos system for a while now and made a wonderful contribution over many years,“ Broncos head of football Ben Ikin said.
“He remains contracted with the club until the end of the 2022 season and has spoken with us about making it a great year on and off the field.
“We wish Jamayne and his family all the best in the next part of their journey once we reach the end of the 2022 season.”
In 2017, now Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett handed Isaako his NRL debut in round 19 during his time as head coach of the Broncos.
It was the only game Isaako would play that year.
But Bennett then gave Isaako a starting wing spot and the goal-kicker went on to claim Dally M Rookie of the Year honours after scoring 239 points in season 2018.
The Kiwi international has played 76 games for the Broncos, scored 24 tries and kicked 215 goals.
But a backlog of talent in the outside back at Red Hill could see Isaako struggle to earn a regular starting spot in coach Kevin Walters’ side.
The likes of Selwyn Cobbo and Jesse Arthars – who will return to the Broncos in 2023 – are also vying for a regular starting spot in the outside backs. Electric fullback Tesi Nui is viewed as a long-term option in the no.1 jumper.
The Dolphins now have a total of four players on their top 30 roster including Parramatta‘s Ray Stone and rugby union defect Valynce Te Whare.
On Tuesday, Storm veteran Kaufusi said Storm teammates hooker Harry Grant, five-eighth Cameron Munster, backrower Kenny Bromwich and Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga were on his wish list of players for Redcliffe‘s first ever top 30 roster.
Bennett has missed out on a slew of other marquee signings over the past couple of months, including Christian Welch, Pat Carrigan, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Brandon Smith, Cody Walker and Reed Mahoney.
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Originally published as Dolphins sign Jamayne Isaako from Brisbane Broncos for 2023 NRL season
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