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Warriors excited as Nikorima arrival looms

3 minute read

Brisbane halfback Kodi Nikorima is close to completing a lucrative NRL switch to the Warriors which has buoyed the Auckland-based club's players.

KODI NIKORIMA of the Kiwis in action during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup match between the New Zealand Kiwis and Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
KODI NIKORIMA of the Kiwis in action during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup match between the New Zealand Kiwis and Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. Picture: Racing and Sports

Senior Warriors players have dismissed Kodi Nikorima's patchy form for Brisbane and described the halfback's looming mid-season arrival as a "great buy" for their NRL club.

Speculation is firming that the 25-year-old Kiwis international will be released by the Broncos before the weekend and be on the Warriors' books in time to play against St George Illawarra in Brisbane next week.

Coach Stephen Kearney was giving little away on Wednesday, reiterating only that Nikorima was always in his sights for 2020 and beyond.

Any contract-busting movement this season would be determined by the player and Broncos management, Kearney said.

The Warriors have reportedly offered Nikorima a $500,000 per season deal until the end of 2022, which would be a considerable upgrade.

The club stated at the start of the season it wouldn't make any premature move to spend the salary cap money freed up by Shaun Johnson's off-season departure until they were sure they had the right player in their sights.

However, a 2-5 start to the season and injury problems for veteran halfback Blake Green have seemingly prompted the approach to a player whose form at Brisbane has been scrutinised.

The Broncos' starting No.7 for a second-straight season, Nikorima has been accused of lacking game management skills and boasting a running style of play which is too similar to halves partner Anthony Milford.

That sort of assessment is wide of the mark according to Warriors hooker and Nikorima's Test teammate Issac Luke.

"I think it genuinely is going to be a great buy for the club," Luke said.

"He's an experienced player who's played a lot of international footy. He's played well for Brisbane as well.

"He's going to challenge a lot of the boys if he does come, especially in the halves and even my area too."

Green relished the chance to link with a player who was among the best New Zealand performers during the 2-1 Test series loss to England late last year.

"He's the Kiwi No.7 mate, the best halfback you've got in the country," Green said.

"He's a very good player. If that eventuates, it eventuates."

Both Luke and Green wouldn't criticise the performances of rookie Warriors half Chanel Harris-Tavita, who would make way for Nikorima.

The 21-year-old has shown glimpses of talent when given the daunting task of running the game in the past three weeks without injured veteran Green.

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