Nikorima has code number to bond in Broncos spine

BRONCOS halfback Kodi Nikorima has revealed the power of the number “23”, a code name that is driving Brisbane’s spine into their finals campaign.

Nikorima and his halves partner Anthony Milford have been heavily scrutinised this season, their first full year together in the six and seven jerseys.

But the Kiwi international said they had managed to overcome much of the criticism, thanks to their bond with fellow spine players Andrew McCullough and Darius Boyd.

Nikorima said assistant coach Jason Demetriou came up with the name “23” for the quartet, as it is the sum of all their jersey numbers.

While it may just be a label to some, Nikorima said the code name had helped them form a bond and cemented the idea they were riding the rugby league rollercoaster together.

“I have Milford, Darbs and Macca,” Nikorima said.

“We feed off each other. We’re a spine.

“We’re really good together and we even have our own name, which is 23. I don’t feel that much pressure with them.

“The fact I can rely on them a lot and they can rely on me, going forward it will only benefit us.

“Last week ( against the Raiders) I picked up an ( eye) injury and Macca, Milford and Darbs, they really stood up.”

Nikorima had one of his best games of the year on Sunday, when the Broncos claimed their biggest win of the season so far against the Titans.

The 34- 0 victory was one the club desperately needed as they push for a top- four finish, dropping their for- and- against to just - 6.

Nikorima and Milford were able to play more freely behind their dominant young forward pack.