Nikorima’s under the gun for No.7

KODI Nikorima is fighting to save his career as Brisbane’s No.7 with Wayne Bennett considering axing the New Zealand Test playmaker just a fortnight after guaranteeing him the halfback spot all season.

The super coach could be forced into a backflip after watching his new halves pairing of Anthony Milford and Jack Bird engineer a Warriors boilover in Auckland on Saturday night.

Nikorima missed the 27-18 victory because of a corked thigh, with the successful BirdMilford alliance leaving him in danger of being demoted for Friday night’s blockbuster against the Storm at Suncorp Stadium.

Bennett has consistently stated that Nikorima is Brisbane’s first-choice No.7 but Bird’s solid showing at fiveeighth could convince the coach to stick with the team that stunned the Warriors.

Nikorima is expected to be cleared to return against the Storm. It leaves Bennett two options – demoting him to the bench or reinstating Nikorima.