Head-to-head battle for fullback hopefuls
BRONCOS coach Anthony Seibold has challenged Kiwi ace Jamayne Isaako to prove he’s fullback material after naming him on the bench for this weekend’s trial game against the Cowboys.
Isaako and Jack Bird will share the No.1 role at Barlow Park in Cairns on Saturday night with Bird to get first crack after his strong outing against CQ Capras last weekend.
It is further proof Isaako is under increasing pressure to fill the role after the Broncos indicated he had to work harder following an error-riddled NRL Nines performance in Perth.
Seibold is using the trial to weigh up his preferred candidate for the fullback spot so Isaako and Bird have plenty to prove.
“They’re both competing for the fullback position,” Seibold said. “They’ll literally play a half each. Birdy will play the first half. Jamayne will play the second half.
“We’re not overloading them by playing them for full minutes but we need to see them both in a game situation and keep building some confidence.”
The Broncos coach called on “Ice Man” Isaako to prove why he should be the club’s first-choice fullback heading into the 2020 season.
“He’s had a sound pre-season (but) I want to see more,” Seibold said. “I think he’s got more to give. He’s a super talented young player.
“He would admit himself that he didn’t have a great two games out of the Nines but the Nines are very different to the 13-man side.”
Saturday’s clash will also be the first time Anthony Milford and Brodie Croft get to play together after being named as Brisbane’s halves combination.
Young playmaker Tom Dearden will also fly to Cairns and is expected to be rotated through the halves during the trial.
Veterans Darius Boyd and Andrew McCullough have been rested after playing 40 minutes in last week’s trial.
Jake Turpin will start at hooker and new recruit Jesse Arthars in the centres.
Tully product Thomas Flegler has been named on an extended bench for his first game at Barlow Park since he was a member of Northern Pride’s junior academy.