Nikorima leaves half call to Benny

KODI Nikorima heard Wayne Bennett’s comments. How could he not?

In axing long-term halfback Ben Hunt to the Intrust Super Cup last week, Bennett declared Nikorima would be Brisbane’s No.7 next year.

It was a bold declaration by Bennett but Nikorima earned it. In his six games starting at halfback this season the Broncos are unbeaten.

Bennett, a seven-time premiership coach, knows better than any how to motivate his players.

Nikorima, 23, was no longer just a fill-in waiting for Hunt to return from a hamstring injury. He is now Brisbane’s main man and with that comes pressure.

“I heard that,” Nikorima said when asked if Bennett’s words got back to him.

“In a way yes (it was a confidence boost), but it’s up to Wayne going forward.”

Brisbane’s No.7 jersey brings with it an entirely different responsibility but he has the perfect partner to guide him.

Benji Marshall, 32, was an NRL superstar when Nikorima was coming through the grades. Now they will start alongside each other for the first time in Canberra on Saturday.