‘Love to stay’: Isaako wants new Dolphins deal done
Joel Gould and Murray Wenzel |
Dolphins point-scoring whiz Jamayne Isaako wants to get an extension done at the club but is still waiting for a contract offer to be tabled.
Coach Kristian Woolf said in September that the New Zealand international was a player he wanted to keep.
The 29-year-old has played all 72 matches for the Dolphins in the past three seasons, the only player at the club to do so.
It’s a reflection of both his consistency and the wonderful shape he keeps himself in away from the playing arena.
Isaako had another stellar season as a Dolphin and on the representative scene with New Zealand.
He was the NRL’s leading point scorer in 2025 for the the third time in his career, adding to his feats in 2018, as a Bronco, and 2023 in the inaugural season at the Dolphins. The super boot and noted try scorer now has scored an incredible 745 points in just three seasons as a Dolphin.
Isaako was also an integral member of the Kiwis’ win in the Pacific Cup earlier this month.
The Dolphins have key outside backs such as Herbie Farnworth and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on deck until the end of 2027. Speaking at the Queensland PGA golf pro-am, which he played in on Wednesday, Isaako is hoping CEO Terry Reader will approve his own stay.
“I’m in my last year of the contract and negotiating, so still waiting for Terry to table an offer to me,” Isaako said.
“But I’d love to stay. I love the Dolphins and have been an inaugural player.
“I’ve been in Queensland basically my whole career and have a young family here I’m trying to raise. The kids are happy at school and the missus has a good job so I’d love to stay.”
Isaako was hopeful a new deal was close.
“I think so but I haven’t spoken to (the Dolphins) too much about it. It’s all happened so quickly since the season finished,” he said.
Isaako said he was looking forward to welcoming former Broncos outside back Selwyn Cobbo to the club.
With winger Jack Bostock set to miss the start of the 2026 NRL season with an ACL injury, Cobbo could well be Isaako’s wing partner in the season opener against South Sydney.
“It’s awesome. He adds a lot of value to our team and given we have a couple of long-term injuries like Jack he’ll be a great addition,” Isaako said.
“Everyone knows what kind of player he is and the X factor he brings.”
Isaako is now on an extended holiday after taking a deserved break following a year to savour.
“I’ve reflected a little bit,” he said.
“Catching up with family that watch from afar, that’s all they want to talk about.
“The last couple of years have been great at the Dolphins, to find some consistency in my form and play some good footy.”
AAP
