NRL 2022: Jamayne Isaako pleads with Kevin Walters to award him Brisbane Broncos fullback spot

In his first interview since signing with the Dolphins, Jamayne Isaako reveals his reasons for quitting the Broncos and why he’s the right fit for the club’s fullback dilemma in 2022.

Brisbane’s forgotten man Jamayne Isaako has urged coach Kevin Walters to pick him for the hotly-contested fullback spot this season despite becoming the first Bronco to defect to expansion rivals the Dolphins.

In his first interview since signing with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins for 2023, Isaako explained why he signed with Brisbane’s cross-town rivals, saying longer term security at the NRL’s 17th team was a critical factor in his decision.

But Isaako insists he is totally committed to the Broncos this season and wants to exit Red Hill with a bang by clinching the coveted No.1 jumper for Brisbane’s premiership opener against Souths on March 11.

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Jamayne Isaako is keen to nail down Broncos No.1 jersey.

The battle for the Broncos’ fullback position has been blown wide open after first-choice custodian Tesi Niu suffered a grade-two hamstring tear which will sideline him for four to six weeks, leaving him in major doubt for round one.

Walters is exploring every option. Isaako and David Mead shared the fullback role in last week’s 26-all trial draw with the Titans, while young gun Selwyn Cobbo will get his shot in the backfield in Saturday night’s final pre-season hitout against the Cowboys.

While Isaako is bound for the Dolphins, the Kiwi Test star assured Walters he won’t let him down at fullback if Niu is unavailable for Brisbane’s season opener against the Rabbitohs.

“I absolutely see myself as a fullback,” Isaako said.

“I enjoy playing in the No.1 jumper and it’s a position I think I can succeed in.

“The door is open again with Tesi injured.

“In pre-season it’s been a hectic battle for the No.1 jumper, it’s always tough when you aren’t given the first opportunity. But I am always up for the challenge for any position in the team and in pre-season I have worked my backside off to pass on experience to the younger blokes.

“I’m looking forward to the season ahead. I will help out wherever I can. There is an opportunity with Tesi injured and it could come down to me, ‘Meady’ or even Selwyn Cobbo.”

Brisbane young gun Selwyn Cobbo. Picture: Liam Kidston

Isaako shapes as the logical choice. He has played 23 of 76 career games at fullback and was Brisbane’s starting No.1 for last year’s premiership opener against Parramatta.

The 25-year-old has produced some sizzling displays at fullback - he carved up Canterbury and the Titans last year - but his confidence took a hit after he was dropped mid-season following an error-riddled effort in a 52-24 loss to the Dragons.

“I have worked really hard with people outside of football helping me to trust in myself and believe in myself,” he said.

“A lot of guys have ability at this level, but it’s the confidence side of things that can bring you down.

“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.

“I will be trying my hardest to get that spot for round one and I’m confident I can do the job for Kevvie.

Isaako will reunite with coach Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins for the 2023 season.

“There’s three or four of us in pre-season who have been jostling for that fullback spot, but ultimately it’s up to Kevvie and he has a tough choice to make.”

The uncertainty over Isaako’s best position at the Broncos played a role in his move to the Dolphins next season.

“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 (Bennett) before, he was the guy who gave me my start in the NRL, so I’m looking forward to being coached by him again.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Jamayne Isaako pleads with Kevin Walters to award him Brisbane Broncos fullback spot