Growing up in Christchurch, the only connection Jamayne Isaako had with rugby league came through television coverage of Israel Folau.
Poised to make his New Zealand Test debut on the right wing against England in Denver, Isaako fondly recalled watching Folau soar for two seasons with the Brisbane Broncos.
He was otherwise a rising schoolboy rugby union prospect and never would have conceived one day playing for the Broncos, let alone now being compared to his childhood idol.
Former Broncos great Steve Renouf earlier this season declared Isaako carried the hallmarks of cross-code great Folau, particularly with his athleticism and leaping ability.
Renouf's thoughts came as a shock to the 22-year-old, who is one of seven new faces in the Kiwis squad for the Test at Mile High Stadium on Sunday (AEST).
"I've always idolised Izzy and some of the crazy things he's done in rugby league," Isaako said.
"Growing up, I didn't really know too much about rugby league. If anything, I always watched the Broncs and always followed Izzy.
"It's crazy to be put alongside Izzy."
Isaako was also still coming to terms with his international promotion after the Kiwis underwent their first training run at the University of Denver.
Training outside both Esan Marsters and Jordan Kahu, he revealed coach Michael Maguire tried out various combinations in his first session of a rapid-fire build-up.
Isaako said the effects of training at 1600m altitude weren't apparent in a relatively light run.
Maguire has spent time thoroughly discussing tactics with his players.
Isaako and Kahu are among those well placed to offer thoughts on how Broncos and England coach Wayne Bennett will approach the game.
"I have a fair idea of what (Bennett) likes to do and the game style he likes to play," Isaako said.
Bennett will likewise be aware of the threat posed by his club winger, who hasn't missed a minute of Brisbane's 14-match campaign in 2018, scoring eight tries and slotting 45 goals.
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