Nikorima set to switch sides
Warriors target expected to be granted release
Kodi Nikorima could be a Warrior by the end of this week. The switch of the Kiwis halfback to Mt Smart is now a matter of when, not if. The Warriors have made a lucrative formal offer to the 25-year-old for the 2020 NRL season and beyond, and it’s a significant upgrade on his deal at Brisbane.
Nikorima is signed at the Broncos until the end of next year but has an option in his favour for next season.
However, his agent Issac Moses will pursue an early release for the 13-test Kiwi and the Herald understands that is likely to be granted.
The final step is up to the Broncos, who are under pressure following a less-than-ideal start to their 2019 campaign, winning just two of their first seven games.
However, they are expected to let Nikorima go, with several promising youngsters among their halves contenders. Once that happens, Nikorima would be free to ink a long-term deal with the Warriors.
Palmerston North-born Nikorima has been in the Warriors’ sights since December, after the surprise departure of Shaun Johnson in late November.
Warriors football manager Brian Smith said by text he had “no comment on the situation”, while chief executive Cameron George wasn’t able to be contacted yesterday.
Warriors coach Stephen Kearney admitted the club was chasing Nikorima for 2020 but wouldn’t speculate on the prospect of him arriving before that.
“We’ve had an interest in Kodi for a while — I’ve been working with him for a while about getting him here for
2020, where he has an option on his contract at the Broncos,” Kearney told D’Arcy Waldegrave on Radio Sport.
“Anything before then is in the hands of the Broncos and his agent. So I can’t answer anything about questions before 2020 but I will say we had an interest in him for next year and beyond.”
Kearney said he had been impressed with the work of young half Chanel Harris-Tavita, and the Nikorima move was about adding depth to a crucial area.
Harris-Tavita will again be key on Sunday against the Knights but the teenager is expected to have Blake Green back beside him, after the Australian missed the last three matches with a groin injury.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and David Fusitu’a have also been named, though they will have to pass fitness tests later in the week.
A notable feature of the 17 is the retention of Patrick Herbert in the centres after his impressive debut against the Storm.
Veteran Adam Blair has been demoted to the bench. He was much improved in Melbourne — with a huge effort on defence — after intense criticism of his recent performances.
However, Isaiah Papali’i will offer much more of an offensive threat and has been named to start in the second row.