Halfback’s not giving up easily
KODI Nikorima has declared he is ready to fight to be Brisbane’s long-term halfback as the Broncos launched a poaching bid for Cooper Cronk’s successor at the Roosters.
The Broncos have targeted Sydney Roosters young gun Sean O’Sullivan as a back-up plan for Nikorima next year.
Nikorima produced arguably the best performance of his season with a two-try effort in Brisbane’s 50-18 thumping of Penrith last Friday night.
But the Kiwi international has struggled to consistently put his stamp on the coveted Broncos No. 7 jersey this year following Queensland Origin star Ben Hunt’s move to the Dragons.
Nikorima, 24, was briefly demoted to the bench earlier this season as coach Wayne Bennett searched for the answer to his playmaking conundrum and the Broncos are looking to beef-up their halfback stocks by making an offer to O’Sullivan.
The 19-year-old O’Sullivan is a former Australian Schoolboys halfback who is being tutored by Maroons and Kangaroos legend Cronk at the Roosters.
But Nikorima is not ready to give up his spot without a fight, declaring he is a vastly improved player who can succeed in the Broncos No. 7 jersey made famous by Allan Langer.
“I never doubted myself,” Nikorima said. “I’ve always been a confidence player but now I’m starting to really stand out and talk more.
“I was a bit quiet coming into the season and didn’t take it with two hands. That showed with me getting benched earlier in the year.
“I’m starting to come into my own now. I want to make it my own.”