Bigger Bird puts Kodi on to bench
KODI Nikorima’s career as a Broncos halfback is all but over after coach Wayne Bennett backflipped on his playmaking pledge by axing him to the bench for Brisbane’s clash with Melbourne.
The development comes as the Broncos sweat on the fitness of key prop Matt Lodge, who faces a Melbourne mauling if he decides to carry ribcartilage damage into battle at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
A new scrumbase era has swept through the Broncos with Bennett keeping the faith in the Jack BirdAnthony Milford alliance which orchestrated a stunning 27-18 upset of the Warriors last week in Auckland.
In pre-season, Bennett declared Nikorima was his firstchoice No.7 and he reiterated that stance just a fortnight ago. But a corked thigh saw Nikorima ruled out of last week’s Warriors boilover, opening the door for Bird to partner Milford in a showing that convinced Bennett not to tinker with the formula.
The demotion of Nikorima will come as a blow for the 24-year-old, who felt he had the skills to be Brisbane’s halfback for the next 10 years.
But as the Broncos prepare to face the premiers, Bennett believes Bird’s attacking instincts and bigger body in the defensive role can help combat a monster Storm pack led by 200cm Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
There is a sentiment that livewire Nikorima is best suited as a supersub in the No.14 jumper and Bennett confirmed he will play an interchange impact role.
“I expect Kodi to be all right and if so, he will be on the bench. I’m starting with Jack in the halves,” he said.