Jamayne Isaako will leave Brisbane to work under his first NRL coach Wayne Bennett at the Dolphins from 2023.
The Broncos back became the third significant addition to the new franchise on Wednesday, Isaako signing a three-year deal that will begin after he finishes next season at Red Hill.
He is the first Bronco to switch allegiances to the cross-town rival.
Bennett handed Isaako a debut late in the 2017 season and thrown into fullback by Bennett, he flourished to claim the 2018 Dally M rookie of the year gong.
But Isaako struggled to build on that early form and has spent the past two seasons under pressure to retain his spot.
With a host of younger backline talent on the books at Red Hill, Isaako’s future at the club appeared uncertain.
The Dolphins have shown an early degree of confidence in the 25-year-old though, club boss Terry Reader saying he’s “pretty sure we already know who will be kicking goals for us in 2023”.
“Jamayne is fast, elusive and a point-scoring machine, so we welcome him into the first-ever Dolphins squad,” he said.
Isaako, who has played for both Tonga and New Zealand, joins Queensland State of Origin backrower Felise Kaufusi and Parramatta hooker Ray Stone as Dolphins signings.
“Jamayne has been in the Broncos system for a while now and made a wonderful contribution over many years,” Broncos football boss 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.”
Drenched Again
Guest
All duds
Nat
Roar Guru
They are already making Smith comparisons to that rookie Graham. Not even Grant received those claims and he dominated QRL. Funnily enough, he was stuck behind Berrell at Wynnum, the best hooker in the QRL but did manage to push Berrell into the halves when Campagnolo, awarded best QRL player this year and new Souths recruit, was out. All these 'bests' inc Cobbo at Wynnum and Norths still beat them.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Still early days, mate. Plenty of players currently free to negotiate - Turpin, Egan, Milford, Harawira-Naera, Opacic... - and they'll be active up to mid next year.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Three (Kaufusi, Stone and Isaako), plus one rookie.
Malo
Guest
I thought Bennett had more magic than what he has delivered. I’d just try the locals
Adam
Roar Guru
He's got a rolladex I'm sure!
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Well, they've signed all of two players so far.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Geez Adam, don't give Hook any ideas!!
Tony
Roar Guru
:shocked:
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
Their best bet might be to hang around the Bulldogs who seem hell bent on spending. If they get themselves in cap trouble, maybe they can snare some players where they only have to pay a portion of the contract. Won't be a star player though.
Nat
Roar Guru
With Isaako and Oates money available next year Herbie should be the next signing priority.
Adam
Roar Guru
That former Bronco is likely to end up at St George
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Darius is waiting by the phone.
Randy
Roar Rookie
Isaako is so inconsistent, OK for a depth signing but I think they can do better for wingers/fullbacks.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Clearly Wayne Bennett has never played musical chairs before. The music has stopped and there are no marquee players left outside of Kayln Ponga who is the last roll of the dice. If Ponga keeps dragging out a decision on his future chances are the Dolphins will get stung again like they were by Brandon Smith's empty promises.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Looks like Herbie said no.
Andrew01
Roar Rookie
Sadly probably their best signing so far in terms of likely skills by 2023. Solid player, but isn't one of those names that makes others want to join as well as he is really just a winger if they are a team that will compete. Will be 27 by the time he plays for the Dolphins which i guess puts him in his prime, but not for long.
Adam
Roar Guru
Yeah I think this is a win for all involved
The Barry
Roar Guru
One of those signings that strengthens two clubs…
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
That's a pretty good signing, I think Bennett gets the best out of him. I'm really interested in the lower profile signings and how he builds the working core of the team :thumbup: