NRL star Jamayne Isaako is preparing for a major change in his professional and personal life after signing a two-year contract with Melbourne Storm. The New Zealand international, who spent four seasons with the Dolphins, recently explained that his decision to move to Melbourne was not easy, particularly because he and his longtime partner, Abby Sutherland, have been raising their two young children in Queensland.
Jamayne Isaako is not publicly known to be married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with Abby Sutherland, a former legal secretary from Melbourne. The couple share two children, a son named Isaiah Jamayne Isaako, born on October 26, 2018, and a daughter born on February 23, 2021.
Although Isaako has established himself as one of the NRL’s most reliable goal-kickers, his family has remained an important consideration throughout his career. His upcoming move to Melbourne is particularly meaningful because Sutherland’s parents live in the city.
So, who is Jamayne Isaako’s partner? Here’s everything to know about Abby Sutherland, their children, relationship and the important family moments behind his rugby league career.
Abby Sutherland Is Jamayne Isaako’s Longtime Partner
Abby Sutherland is best known as the longtime partner of New Zealand rugby league player Jamayne Isaako.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Sutherland previously worked as a legal secretary before becoming more widely recognized through her relationship with the NRL star.
Although the couple have been together for several years, they have generally maintained a private relationship. The exact date they began dating has not been publicly established.
Sutherland has occasionally appeared in Isaako’s social media posts, particularly during important family celebrations and milestones.
Unlike her partner, whose career involves regular media appearances and professional sporting commitments, Abby has largely remained outside the public spotlight.
There has been no publicly confirmed wedding announcement, and the couple are generally described as partners rather than husband and wife.
Jamayne Isaako and Abby Sutherland Welcomed Their First Child in 2018
One of the couple’s most significant family milestones came on October 26, 2018, when they welcomed their first child.
Their son, Isaiah Jamayne Isaako, was born at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane.
Isaako celebrated the arrival of his son through an emotional Instagram announcement, expressing appreciation for Abby and the challenges she experienced during childbirth.
The timing was particularly memorable because Isaako was establishing himself as a promising young player with the Brisbane Broncos.
He had enjoyed an impressive 2018 NRL season and received the Dally M Rookie of the Year award.
Shortly after becoming a father, Isaako joined the New Zealand national rugby league team for international commitments.
The arrival of Isaiah marked an important new chapter in his life as he began balancing professional rugby league with fatherhood.
The Couple Welcomed Their Daughter in February 2021
Isaako and Sutherland expanded their family again on February 23, 2021, when their daughter was born.
Their second child’s arrival made Isaiah an older brother and brought another important family milestone for the couple.
At the time, Isaako was playing for the Brisbane Broncos, where he had established himself as a versatile outside back and goal-kicker.
Although he has occasionally shared family moments publicly, Isaako has generally avoided revealing extensive details about his children’s everyday lives.
The couple have continued raising their son and daughter while navigating the demands of professional rugby league, including training schedules, travel and international competitions.
Abby Sutherland’s Family Connection Influenced the Melbourne Storm Move
On March 29, 2026, Melbourne Storm officially announced that Isaako had signed a two-year contract covering the 2027 and 2028 NRL seasons.
The announcement represented a significant career development for Isaako, who had become one of the Dolphins’ most consistent performers.
However, the decision also involved important family considerations.
Melbourne Storm director of football Frank Ponissi acknowledged that Abby’s parents were based in Melbourne, making the move suitable for both the club and Isaako’s family.
In October 2026, Isaako explained that he and Sutherland had originally hoped to remain in Brisbane.
The Dolphins were unable to finalize a new contract while managing salary-cap commitments, and Melbourne offered Isaako greater certainty about his playing future.
Isaako acknowledged that leaving Queensland was a difficult decision because he and Abby had two young children.
Despite their initial preference to stay, the couple were looking forward to beginning a new chapter in Melbourne.
The relocation will also bring their children closer to their maternal grandparents.
Jamayne Isaako’s Rugby League Career Has Included Several Major Milestones
Isaako was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in June 1996 and developed his rugby league skills before moving into Australia’s professional competition.
He made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the Newcastle Knights on July 15, 2017.
His breakthrough came in 2018, when he became a regular first-grade player and earned recognition as the NRL’s Rookie of the Year.
After several seasons with Brisbane, he joined the Gold Coast Titans in 2022 before signing with the newly established Dolphins for their inaugural 2023 season.
His career experienced a remarkable revival at the Dolphins.
In 2023, Isaako scored 24 tries and accumulated 244 points, finishing as the competition’s leading try-scorer and point-scorer.
He was also named the Dolphins’ inaugural Player of the Year and earned selection in the Dally M Team of the Year.
His strong performances continued in 2025, when he finished as the NRL’s leading point-scorer with 278 points.
During the 2026 season, Isaako helped the Dolphins reach the preliminary finals before preparing for his move to Melbourne.
Throughout those professional achievements, Abby and their children have remained an important part of his personal life.
Jamayne Isaako and Abby Sutherland Are Preparing for Their Next Chapter
Isaako’s move to Melbourne Storm represents another major transition for the family.
After spending several years in Queensland, the couple will begin a new chapter in a city where Abby already has close family connections.
Isaako has expressed excitement about joining Melbourne’s established playing group, including Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes.
For Sutherland, the move also offers an opportunity to live closer to her parents while continuing to raise their two children.
Although the couple have not publicly announced plans to marry, Jamayne Isaako and Abby Sutherland remain longtime partners and parents to Isaiah and their daughter.
As Isaako prepares for the 2027 NRL season, his relationship with Abby and their growing family responsibilities remain central to the next stage of his life.
Leave a Reply