Deal done, now aim to lock in No.7

BEN Hunt is facing another challenge for his No.7 jersey as Wayne Bennett declared Kodi Nikorima has the opportunity to become Brisbane’s next long-term halfback.

The Broncos yesterday secured Nikorima for a further three seasons, locking him up at Red Hill until at least the end of 2020.

Nikorima, 23, will replace Dragons-bound Hunt in the jersey made famous by Allan Langer next year but he is mounting a case for an earlier rise in the run to NRL finals.

Bennett sent Hunt to reserve grade last month and opted to start Nikorima at halfback. In the seven games

Nikorima

(right) has started at halfback this season the

Broncos are unbeaten.

While he produced two tries with deft kicks, Hunt was erratic at times during last Saturday’s scratchy win against lowly Newcastle in his return from State of Origin.

Nikorima sat out the Knights game but Bennett confirmed he was in the mix for a recall in Thursday’s clash against the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.

Anthony Milford is guaranteed to start at five-eighth while Hunt, Nikorima and Benji Marshall are his possible playmaking partners.

Bennett said he was yet to decide on the make-up of his team for the Bulldogs game and would not be looking to the future with his selections.

“They are all a chance,” Bennett said.

“I haven’t made a decision. “It’s not about next year. It’s about this year and the next game of football.”

Nikorima had the opportunity to activate a one-year extension at the Broncos but instead brokered a new threeyear deal.

Bennett said he had no hesitation in locking up the New Zealand international and he could now press his claims to be Brisbane’s next halfback.