Hayne’s chance to prove his worth
Nikorima vows he will stand tall
A DEFIANT Kodi Nikorima has challenged critics to write him off as Brisbane’s greatest ever halfback Allan Langer declared the pocket rocket is ready to help the Broncos snap a 12-year NRL title drought.
Nikorima kicked off his career as Brisbane’s halfback in style on Saturday night, playing a starring role in the Broncos’ 38-10 trial drubbing of the Titans in Toowoomba.
Nikorima said he was ready to withstand the pressure of being the glamour club’s No.7 and prove his doubters wrong.
“Every year there is always something to prove,” he said.
“There are always critics and doubters and that’s what drives me every day in the morning.
“There is always pressure, especially when you put on that Broncos jersey. It’s no different this year.
“It helps when you have a pre-season to prepare properly in the one position. I have been working hard on my kicking game and we are doing extras before every training session.”
The Broncos have been searching for a long-term halfback since Langer retired in 2002, with Shane Perry the last Brisbane No. 7 to taste premiership glory. THE Maitland No.1 Showground is a long way from the dizzy heights of the San Francisco 49ers’ home at Levi Stadium.
But for Jarryd Hayne, the humble surroundings could turn out to be the perfect place to show everyone that his heart is well and truly back in the NRL.
Four years after Hayne quit Parramatta to chase his dream of playing in the NFL, Hayne is set to make his long-awaited return for the Eels in Saturday’s trial against Newcastle.
The 30-year-old will be out to put to bed all the rumours about his pre-season struggle for fitness when the Eels take on the new-look Knights. Titans great Preston Campbell in August questioned if Hayne was “interested in wanting to play footy any more”.
While Hayne has copped plenty about his fitness since finishing last in a pre-season distance time trial, coach Brad Arthur has praised his commitment since returning to the club.
Arthur will name is squad on Wednesday and said the only players who would not be available were Clint Gutherson, Siosaia Vave and Tony Williams. That means the Hayne Plane is ready for takeoff.