Dolphins winger Jamayne Isaako has celebrated his 100th NRL game in style with a majestic display in a 26-12 win over St George Illawarra.
Isaako extended his lead as the NRL’s top points scorer this season with two tries and five goals at Redcliffe’s Kayo Stadium on Thursday night.
Five-eighth Anthony Milford had his best game in a Dolphins jersey to set up a try and score one himself against a lacklustre Dragons outfit who bumbled and fumbled their way to defeat without inspirational skipper Ben Hunt.
Both sides would have given their respective coaches heart palpitations with sub-standard decision making and ball handling at times but the Dolphins’ spine was superior with Milford, fullback Kodi Nikorima and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King making key contributions.
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Milford kicked to corners and was easily the best playmaker on the field to showcase the class that once led to him representing Queensland.
It is not often that a winger is the most valuable player on a regular basis for an NRL side but Isaako is proving to be just that for the Dolphins.
Coach Wayne Bennett said before the game the 26-year-old was “reborn” after several lacklustre years. He now has 138 points for the season.
The win solidified the Dolphins’ position in the top eight and kept the Dragons in last place as they await the expected signing of Jason Ryles as head coach in 2024.
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Interim Dragons coach Ryan Carr had a last-minute win over the Sydney Roosters last week but there was to be no miracle on this occasion.
The Dolphins set up the win with three tries in the space of six minutes in the opening stanza.
Milford kicked high for Isaako who dazzled in the air and with his feet. Marshall-King put Mark Nicholls through threadbare goal line defence with guile and Milford showcased a classic show and go.
Dragons skipper Jack de Belin was sin-binned for a cannonball tackle and put on report.
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The visitors did some stupid things, with fullback Tyrell Sloan penalised for giving lip to the referee when the Dolphins were on their own tryline.
Dragons hooker Jacob Liddle tried his heart out but lacked support in a display that showcased why his side are propping up the ladder.
