Kiwi-NRL Spotlight: South Island Leader Jamayne Isaako
The first Kiwi-NRL Spotlight check in with Redcliffe Dolphins featured a couple paragraphs about Jamayne Isaako as he scored four tries in three games during their undefeated start of the season. Aranui junior and former Shirley Boys High School 1st 15 trooper Isaako has since scored four tries in three games, most of which came in his hat-trick against Cowboys.
Isaako now has eight tries in six games and this is already his second best season for tries. In 2018, Isaako scored 11 tries in 25 games so he is nearly at that mark this season and the Christchurch product is making a compelling case for a decent crack at an Aotearoa Kiwis wing role.
The hat-trick against Cowboys saw Isaako showcase his talents with finishing class, footwork, power and a slick aerial threat. Isaako isn't just a finisher though as he is a willing runner into traffic and he has three games with at least two linebreaks this season, three more with at least six tackle busts and he’s gathered over 150 metres in five of his six games.
Currently averaging 172m/game, Isaako has blown away his recent mahi. Given the role that Wayne Bennett played in getting Isaako to Broncos from Sharks and how Bennett's departure from Broncos cluttered the faith in Isaako at Broncos, there should be no surprise in Isaako's performances at Dolphins under coach Bennett.
All of which stems from a top-notch background as a junior. After leaving Christchurch, Isaako made back to back Junior Kiwis teams while in the Sharks system. Isaako started at fullback in the 2015 team and then started in the halves in 2016. In this phase Isaako played alongside Joseph Manu, Te Maire Martin, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, James Fisher-Harrs, Marata Niukore, Jazz Tevaga, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Reimis Smith and Isaiah Papali'i.
The dip in form that coinceded with coach Bennett's departure and the niggle of 2020 also saw Isaako slide down the Aotearoa Kiwis mixer. Isaako missed the World Cup squad last year as Ronaldo Mulitalo, Jordan Rapana and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak were selected in the wing slot while Sebastian Kris also offered depth in the outside backs.
Watene-Zelezniak hasn't played footy this year but there is plenty of competition in this pocket. Kawerau's William Warbrick has the profile of a Test winger but he will be slowly brewed at Storm and by Kiwis coach Michael Maguire. Northcote junior Jaxson Paulo is likely to settle continue in this consistent groove with Roosters and Otahuhu's Christian Tuipulotu is embracing his decorated NZRL junior potential with strong mahi for Sea Eagles.
Tuipulotu seems likely to keep representing Tonga. Isaako and Paulo have played one game each for Samoa, which will probably continue for Paulo. Isaako has snapped up any prior opportunities to represent Aotearoa Kiwis and as goal-kicking was an issue at the World Cup last year, this would be an asset for Kiwis footy.
It's tricky to pick the best winger out of the Mulitalo/Rapana/Isaako trio. All three have the funky skillset of elite wingers and they impact winning for their respective teams. Isaako has put himself back in this mix and his form this season will likely see him return to international footy when it swings back around.
If Isaako does return to Aotearoa Kiwis footy, he will be part of a growing group of South Island Kiwis. There were no South Island juniors in the World Cup squad last year. Now Hornby junior Jordan Riki and Greymouth's Griffin Neame are approaching Kiwis debuts. This could lead to three South Island juniors playing in the same Aotearoa Kiwis team soon.
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