HODGES NO T SURE K ODI’S UP FOR NO . 7
FORMER Broncos skipper Justin Hodges says Kodi Nikorima is not ready to handle the pressure of replacing Ben Hunt as Broncos halfback.
The Brisbane utility is the most obvious choice to wear the No. 7 jersey for the Broncos once Hunt leaves for the Dragons in 2018.
While he mostly plays off the bench as a back- up hooker, Nikorima is also a halfback and fullback.
But when asked if the young Kiwi was the best option for the future, Hodges was unsure, claiming the 22- year- old has a lot to learn before he can deal with the demands of the job.
Hodges said there were a lot of expectations placed on the Broncos, particularly the halves, and it could be difficult to adjust to.
“It’s up to Wayne ( Bennett) but I don’t think he’s ready for that yet,” he said.
“Kodi still has a lot to learn. To run a first- grade team such as the Broncos, there’s always going to be high expectations on them.
“If the club doesn’t finish in the top four, it hasn’t been a great year. Finishing fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth, you’re not happy.
“I just don’t know if Kodi is ready for that. He’s still a young kid so you don’t want to put that much pressure on him.”
Despite his uncertainty over whether Nikorima could handle being a starting first grader, Hodges said the utility should stay on the Brisbane bench.