The rapid rise of Jamayne Isaako
[Maguire] gave me a call and said the team wasn’t finalised but I was in a good spot for being selected.
‘‘I was shocked that I got a call from him to represent my country. I definitely wasn’t expecting that.’’
Growing up, Isaako had dreams of playing for the All Blacks rather than the Kiwis and admitted to knowing very little about rugby league as a youngster. Yet when scouts from the Cronulla Sharks came knocking when he was just 15, Isaako decided to forge a path in the 13-man game.
Isaako spent four years at the Sydney club building up his league knowledge and starring in the lower grades before a shift to Brisbane in 2017 saw him take his career to the next level.
He made his NRL debut during last season’s Origin period and after biding his time for the rest of the year he has blossomed into one of the Broncos’ standout performers this season.
Isaako has featured in all 14 games scoring eight tries, including a dazzling matchwinner against the Roosters and a double against the Warriors.
He also has a cool head under pressure, nailing a drop goal to beat the Wests Tigers while impressing with his accurate goalkicking.
Broncos legend Steve Renouf said earlier this year that Isaako’s ability under the high ball and dangerous broken-field running reminded him of cross-code star Folau. And while Isaako was never the biggest league fan, that was one player he modelled his game on.
‘‘I’ve always idolised ‘Izzy’ and some of the crazy things he did in rugby league,’’ he said. ‘‘Growing up I didn’t really know too much about rugby league but I always watched the Broncos and always followed ‘Izzy’. It’s definitely great to be put alongside him.’’
With the likes of Jermaine McGillvary and Ryan Hall, England have some powerful outside backs and Isaako can expect plenty of attention.
But with England also coached by Brisbane’s Wayne Bennett, Isaako said he has a fair idea of what is coming his way.