Bennett ‘not concerned’ about Broncos’ injury list
BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett says he toyed with the idea of playing Jordan Kahu at fullback but has confirmed Kodi Nikorima will take the No.1 jersey for tonight’s NRL qualifying final against the Roosters in Sydney.
With skipper Darius Boyd sidelined by a hamstring injury, Bennett said he had been weighing up his options for the clash.
“We were tempted (to pick Kahu at fullback) but Kodi has played a lot of fullback in the under-20s and he’s a great carrier of the football – I thought he was our best option,” Bennett said.
While Boyd joined a growing list of Broncos on the sidelines, including Andrew McCullough (knee) and forwards Korbin Sims (arm) and Tevita Pangai Jnr (hamstring), Bennett said he was unconcerned by the injury problems.
“I haven’t blinked about it,” Bennett said. “We knew Darius was not going to be there. I am not concerned about it. We have the best team on the field that we can get. They are all confident in their positions. We will just get on with it.”
The Broncos’ injury woes
have forced a reshuffle, with veteran Benji Marshall to start at halfback just 12 months after the former New Zealand skipper contemplated retirement.
Marshall was left without a club after 14 NRL seasons but snapped up a one-year Brisbane lifeline after ringing Bennett for advice.
The Brisbane coach wondered what he would have done without the playmaker this year.
“The key to it all has been Benji, he has been able to fill in for us on a number of occasions. He is a quality player,” he said.
“The fun is back in Benji’s life.
“He came here and was allowed to be a player again – no one has asked him to do any more.
“He is best when he is enjoying his football, that’s all I want him to do tomorrow night.”