Storm Secure Major Signing: Jamayne Isaako Joins Melbourne on Two-Year Deal
The Melbourne Storm have landed a significant coup, announcing the signing of Dolphins and New Zealand international Jamayne Isaako on a two-year contract. This strategic acquisition comes as the Storm brace for a period of transition, having seen several key players depart in recent years.
The club’s backline has been a focal point of discussion, with the impending departure of centre Nick Meaney to the newly formed Perth Bears next year. This move, coupled with the anticipated exit of Ryan Papenhuyzen at the end of the 2025 season, has left a void, particularly in the crucial goal-kicking department. While the Storm reportedly explored signing Zac Lomax for the 2026 season, that pursuit proved unsuccessful. Nick Meaney has temporarily stepped into the goal-kicking duties but will be heading west at the conclusion of the current season.
Further compounding the challenges for the Storm’s backline depth, winger Will Warbrick has also been rumoured to be considering a move to New Zealand to join the Warriors. This potential exodus of talent has created a palpable sense of urgency for the Storm to bolster their squad for the upcoming seasons. However, under the astute leadership of coach Craig Bellamy, the club has seemingly navigated these challenges with the signing of Isaako.
Isaako has established himself as a formidable force in the NRL, finishing the 2025 season as the competition’s leading point scorer. He has continued his impressive form this season, currently sitting third on the scoring charts, trailing only Nathan Cleary, who has accumulated 52 points after the opening four rounds.
His recent success extends beyond club level, having played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory in the Pacific Championships. Isaako is widely recognised as one of the premier goal-kickers in the game, a skill that will undoubtedly be invaluable to the Storm. An intriguing aspect of the move, and a significant factor in its finalisation, is that Isaako’s partner, Abby, has family residing in Melbourne. This personal connection is reported to have played a substantial role in his decision to relocate.
Melbourne Storm chairman Frank Ponissi expressed his delight at the signing, highlighting Isaako’s calibre and the strategic advantages he brings.
“Jamayne is a high-quality and experienced player who adds speed and versatility to our backline,” Ponissi stated in a club release. “With Jamayne’s partner Abby having her parents based in Melbourne, this move suits both parties incredibly well, and we’re confident he’ll be an excellent addition to our Club and make a strong contribution to our squad over the next few years.”
NRL World Reacts to Isaako’s Melbourne Move
The announcement of Jamayne Isaako’s signing has sent ripples through the NRL community, with many fans expressing surprise given that he had not been widely linked to the Storm prior to the official confirmation. Coach Craig Bellamy is set to welcome a player known for his reliability and extensive experience on the wing.
The Storm’s need for a dependable goal-kicker was starkly illustrated during their recent shock loss to the North Queensland Cowboys. With Nick Meaney sidelined through injury, captain Harry Grant was tasked with kicking duties. However, he managed to convert only two of his five attempts, including a couple of missed opportunities that proved costly.
Isaako is expected to immediately assume the lead goal-kicking responsibilities for the Storm, while also bringing his significant try-scoring prowess to the wing. While fans have described the signing as “out of the blue,” it appears to be a well-executed strategic move by the Storm. The club is understood to have considerable room in their salary cap following the departures of prominent stars such as Nick Meaney, Ryan Papenhuyzen, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona. This financial flexibility would have enabled them to present Isaako with a competitive contract offer. Concurrently, the Dolphins are reportedly facing the challenge of managing their own star players within their salary cap constraints.
The addition of Isaako signals a clear intent from the Melbourne Storm to maintain their competitive edge and adapt to the evolving landscape of the NRL. His experience, goal-kicking accuracy, and try-scoring ability are precisely the attributes the club needs as they navigate the departures of established stars and look towards future success.
