Nikorima benched as new era beckons

KODI Nikorima’s career as a Broncos halfback is all but over after Wayne Bennett backflipped on his playmaking pledge by axing him to the bench for Friday night’s blockbuster against 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.

A new scrumbase era has swept through the Broncos, with Bennett keeping the faith in the Jack Bird- Anthony Milford alliance that orchestrated a 27- 18 upset of the Warriors last week in Auckland.

In preseason, Bennett declared Nikorima was his firstchoice No. 7 and he reiterated that stance just a fortnight ago after the Kiwi Test utility was quiet in a 15- 10 away loss to Newcastle.

But a corked thigh saw Nikorima ruled out of last week’s Warriors boilover, opening the door for Bird to partner Milford in a scrumbase showing that convinced Bennett not to tinker with a winning formula.

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 giant Nelson AsofaSolomona.

There is a widespread sentiment that the livewire Nikorima is best suited as a supersub in the No. 14 jumper and Bennett confirmed he would play an interchange impact role against the Storm.