The New Zealand Herald

Nikorima cool with coming off bench

- Michael Burgess

Kodi Nikorima is taking a philosophi­cal attitude after being ousted from the halves at the Warriors by Chanel Harris-Tavita.

The Kiwi internatio­nal is on the interchang­e bench for the season opener against the Knights tomorrow (5pm NZT) in Newcastle, after the 20-year-old Harris-Tavita was selected to start alongside Blake Green.

It’s a far cry from last May, when Nikorima was signed from Brisbane and went straight into the team at No 6.

He was seen as the perfect foil beside Green.

Nikorima showed glimpses of his best form, particular­ly against the Dragons and the Sharks (in Wellington), although struggled amid the general downturn at the club last season.

But with 100 NRL games and 15 tests behind him, you wouldn’t blame Nikorima for being resentful about his demotion, but he is pragmatic.

“Obviously I want to be there in the halves but I also want to win games,” Nikorima told the Herald.

“If the coaches believe that putting me at hooker or coming off the bench and playing wherever is best for the team that is what we will do.”

From his perspectiv­e, coach Stephen Kearney said Nikorima had responded well to the news.

“When you don’t make your preferred position I’m picking there would always be disappoint­ment,” said Kearney.

“But Kodi understand­s that it is what we think is best for the footy team and the team always comes first.” Nikorima is remarkably versatile. He has plenty of experience in the halves, and was the Kiwis’ best player at halfback in the 2018 series against England.

But he’s also a superb dummy half option, with blinding accelerati­on and a crisp, sure pass off both sides.

At a pinch he could also wear the No 1 jersey, after starring at fullback for the Broncos Under-20 side as they went all the way to the 2011 Holden Cup final.

Like former Warriors utility Lance

Hohaia, such widespread proficienc­y can be an asset and a curse.

“Maybe I did it to myself,” Nikorima said with a laugh.

“Being able to play so many positions. [The Knights] have a similar player in Connor Watson. It’s good for us, teams need us . . . that is always a positive.”

It means Nikorima remains openminded about options in 2020.

“I’ll play wherever,” said Nikorima. “You have to think like that, especially in team environmen­ts. Greenie could go down so I might have to go in there. We might lose hookers again, so I might have to go in there. But the position where I won’t go is wing. I’ve played there twice, and got scored on both times.”

Like the rest of the squad, Nikorima was enthused by the pre-season, particular the different approach taken by new head trainer Craig Twentyman, with an emphasis on speed and sharpness and more conditioni­ng work with the ball.

“There was a lot of hard work we put in behind the scenes but also a lot of hard work with the footy,” said Nikorima. “Hopefully we can showcase that on the weekend, otherwise it all means nothing in the end.”

Asked what needs to be different at the Warriors this year, Nikorima pinpointed attitude and desire.

“It’s about making sure we don’t get out-enthused by any other team, or out-energised and we are competing on every play,” said Nikorima.

“We may not be the best or the biggest or the fastest or the most skilful [team] but one thing we don’t want to get beaten on is our effort.

“Especially in those close games, where we let slip . . . [it’s about] being better in those little moments. That what we have talked about in preseason, winning those moments and competing in general.”

The Warriors have a positive recent record against the Knights, with six victories from the last eight encounters dating back to 2015, although they will be the underdogs tomorrow, especially given the relative strengths of the two forward packs.

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