Why Jamayne Isaako made way for Tevita Naufahu
That was his view of the Dolphins’ budding stars; the hierarchy felt unable to prevent their most productive players from leaving for the Melbourne Storm.
Meet 20-year-old Tevita Naufahu, who convinced his club that as much as they wanted to find a place for Jamayne Isaako in their squad, there was also a young driver who could carry on his legacy.
Isaako broke an NRL record two weeks ago by making 95 consecutive appearances and points. The goal-scoring winger continued this trend in the Warriors’ 26-24 victory and has not missed a game since the Dolphins entered the tournament in 2023.
But with Queensland Maroons reborn star Selwyn Cobbo extending his contract until the end of 2027 and Naufahu showing his value, Isaako will head south after the Dolphins failed to match Melbourne’s offer.
“This wasn’t about not keeping Jamayne or not wanting to keep him here; we’d love to keep him here and love what he brings. There’s a lot of things to balance in the squad and the salary cap… and he’s got a great opportunity in Melbourne,” Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said.
“What I really like about Jamayne is his performance since then, showing everyone how important the club is to him.
“I love everything Tevita brings, he has performed for us every time he has come on and I think he is getting better and better with every game and every opportunity.
“I’m so confident in what he can do for us now and where he’ll be in six months. There’s a real opportunity there for him to be not just a starting winger for us but also a long-term player; he certainly has that ability.”
Naufahu will be added to his 11 NRL caps when the Knights face the Dolphins on Sunday, replacing Cobbo as he prepares for the State of Origin decider on July 8.
He has already formed a formidable partnership with attacking center Herbie Farnworth; In his first three games this year he scored three tries while averaging 224 running meters and almost six tackles per game.
The Kiwi and Tongan prospect, whose New South Wales debutant Jack Bostock has catapulted into Blues contention after overcoming an ACL rupture last year, is unlikely to have reservations about moving right.
She lives in Naufahu, Bostock, and is dating her sister, Gold Coast Titans NRLW star Indie Bostock.
Naufahu laughed when asked if the coach had whispered in his ear about connecting with Bostock.
“For Jack, you have to give him support; sometimes you can knock him down and he will get back up and get stronger.”
But there’s more to Naufahu than just his strengths with the ball in his hands; Qualities he honed as a New Zealand rugby union hopeful with dreams of representing the All Blacks.
His save defensive tackle to deny Roosters fullback Cody Ramsey despite the Dolphins leading 42-4 was another indication of his potential. Not to mention his speed, coming from the other side of the field and running over 100 meters in less than 12 seconds.
“This was all ingrained in preseason,” Naufahu said.
“We’ve talked about effort since pre-season, so I think doing that shows the boys that I’ve got their back and hopefully they can trust me more as the season progresses.”
Woolf added: “He’s everything I want him to be as an actor. I love seeing that and that drive in him. It was a big play and it really said a lot about who he is.”
For all the potential Naufahu brings, there’s no denying the Dolphins will miss evergreen Isaako. The 30-year-old has scored 61 goals and scored 436 goals in 87 appearances and is on course to finish the season as top scorer for the third time in four years.
Naufahu, who has signed a contract until the end of 2027, admits the task of being the long-term successor to the Kiwi veteran with 14 Test caps will be a huge task.
“When a player like that leaves, you set yourself a bigger challenge and you want the club to trust you, so you back yourself,” Naufahu said.
“I remember seeing him [Isaako] He scores tries at school, so being able to play in the same team with him offers a lot. I truly am the next man up and I will make sure I put my best foot forward.
“I would love to be in this club” [long-term]. “I love this club.”
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