X-factor’s audition at depleted Brisbane

THE injury-hit Broncos will turn to debutant Jamayne Isaako to keep their top-four dreams alive, with the young Kiwi to bring the “X-factor”.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett named the Souths Logan fullback on the wing for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle to alleviate the club’s injury woes, as they look to move out of fifth place on the ladder.

The Broncos’ backline stocks are depleted, with Darius Boyd (thumb), Anthony Milford (shoulder), David Mead (knee) and Corey Oates (infection) all on the sideline.

As a result, Isaako will now be given his chance at the top level following a stellar season so far with Souths Logan.

His Magpies coach, Jon Buchanan, yesterday praised the 21-year-old’s rise to the NRL, saying he could be a real threat for the Broncos.

“There’s no doubt that he’s brought a fair bit of X-factor to our footy team,” he said.

“But more importantly, he’s been nice and safe.

“He doesn’t come up with a lot of errors and defensively his talk has improved out of sight.

“He’s got a really good kick return on him.”