Eels snubbed as Broncos star joins NRL rival in high drama

Brisbane star Jamayne Isaako has been granted a release from his contract but won’t be joining Parramatta after a late “curve ball”.

Jamayne Isaako is travelling down the M1. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

Parramatta has missed out on Jamayne Isaako with the former Broncos star signing with the Gold Coast on Tuesday.

Isaako’s future has been a circus in recent weeks since his decision to sign with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins franchise for the start of the 2023 season.

With a mounting injury list to its outside backs, Parramatta reportedly asked the Broncos to release Isaako immediately so that he could take up a short-term contract with the club before moving on at the end of 2022.

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After more injuries in the opening round of the season, reports last week claimed the Eels made another attempt to persuade the Broncos to grant Isaako a contract release.

The Eels were knocked back and the club remains thin on its stocks of outside backs with Maika Sivo, Haze Dunster and Sean Russell all on the sidelines with long-term injuries.

It’s why the Titans’ announcement on Tuesday will hurt the Eels so much.

There was high drama on Tuesday when the Broncos announced Isaako had been granted a release.

Reports immediately swirled that Isaako had taken up a deal with the Eels, however, the Titans came from nowhere to snatch the 25-year-old away from their clutches.

Triple M reporter Ben Dobbin posted on Twitter there was “drama” as the Titans and Eels both competed for Isaako’s signature.

Brisbane sport reporter Michael Atkinson wrote: “Talk about a curve ball”, after the Titans made their announcement.

Jamayne Isaako. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

The Titans confirmed the signing in a statement of their own, with coach Justin Holbrook excited by the acquisition.

“Jamayne is experienced at NRL level and has played on the international stage,” Holbrook said.

“He adds great depth to our outside backs and provides us with coverage across both the fullback and wing positions.

“We’ve got strong competition across a number of positions and adding Jamayne gives us another exciting option to choose from in our backline.

“We had kept a spot on our roster open and we’re thrilled that we are now able to add Jamayne to our team.

“With a number of talented young backline players on our roster, Jamayne will no doubt be able to help with their development during his time with the Titans.”

The Broncos’ earlier statement said the team was happy to grant Isaako the release.

“The Broncos have granted Jamayne Isaako an immediate release from his contract with the club,” the statement read.

“The Broncos were happy to facilitate the request and wish Jamayne and his young family all the best in the future, both on and off the field.”

Isaako was selected at fullback in the season-opener against South Sydney did not play against the Bulldogs.

Originally published as Eels snubbed as Broncos star joins NRL rival in high drama