Surprising many with his play for the Brisbane Broncos, Jamayne Isaako has signed a new long-term deal with the club.
The four-year deal comes after the utility back was previously linked to the Sydney Roosters.
“I’m excited to sign with the Broncos for another four years,” Isaako said.
“I came here at the end of 2015 and sort of hoped to make it here.
“I’m just grateful I was able to solidify a long-term contract here with the Broncos.”
Isaako initially came through the ranks at the Cronulla Sharks through both schoolboy footy and SG Ball.
In the end, the feeling of homesickness is what drew him back to Brisbane.
“I felt homesick in the time that I was in Sydney,” Isaako continued.
“At the time, I moved over at a young age and things just weren’t working out in Sydney.
“And I got an opportunity here [at the Broncos].”
Isaako admits that when meeting with Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, it was daunting but he soon warmed to his new coach.
“At first it was a wee bit intimidating, I’d heard a few stories,” the utility back continued.
“He [my manager] just told me to be open with Wayne and honest with what I wanted to do.
“In the meeting, Wayne did most of the talking and I was just listening.
“The meeting went well and it obviously finished with him wanting me to come to the club.”