Nikorima should sharpen Warriors’ attack
SYDNEY: The struggling Warriors believe they will be slicker on attack after acquiring Kodi Nikorima and more robust on defence through the demotion of NRL veteran Issac Luke.
Coach Stephen Kearney has been forced into more key changes following four straight defeats, a run he is desperate to end when they face St George Illawarra in Brisbane tonight.
Nikorima will become the 27th player the Warriors have used this season when he makes his club debut opposite another former Broncos halfback in Ben Hunt.
His introduction represents a pivotal moment, club management having realised the team’s finals chances were grim if reliant on junior halves to fill the playmaking gap left by Shaun Johnson.
Captain Roger TuivasaSheck praised the contributions of Adam Keighran and Chanel HarrisTavita but conceded the arrival of Nikorima took the club to another level on attack.
‘‘A bit of experience, that’s the main thing we lost with Shaun going,’’ TuivasaSheck said.
‘‘Chanel and Kegs, they’re young and exciting. They’re got the skills, they’ve got the speed but unfortunately we’re just missing game awareness and experience.
‘‘That’s what Kodi has. We are pretty excited to have him on board. He’s got mean speed on him.’’
Nikorima may yet be entrusted with goalkicking too, although coach Stephen Kearney could hand the duties to rookie centre Patrick Herbert. Neither player has kicked a first grade goal previously.
Kearney’s other goalkicking option, Luke, has made way after a series of modest performances in his return from offseason surgery.
The veteran hooker was among those who lacked defensive starch in last week’s 3618 loss to Newcastle and has lost his spot to Nathaniel Roache.
‘‘Defensively, he [Luke] is a really important part of our game so in that area, there needs to be an improvement,’’ Kearney said.
‘‘I’m confident. He’s very experienced, he understands what he needs to do to get back to playing his best.
‘‘We let the back five down with our defensive effort. We let the Knights roll down the field a bit too easily.’’
Kearney has further stiffened the middle of the park by naming a bigger bench than in recent weeks, hoping that will curtail the lategame fades that have dogged the side. — AAP