2018 NRL Side

[Super Freak]

Kodi's Surprise Visit To Surgery

KODI Nikorima will return to full training next week after a shock trip to surgery over Christmas.

Nikorima was hoping to be free of the operating room in the 2018 pre-season after having to deal with a shoulder reconstruction this time last year.

But some sudden pain while on an overseas holiday with his partner changed all that.

Nikorima was able to deal with the abdominal discomfort until he returned home, but as the pain worsened it quickly became clear what was wrong.

"I had my appendix taken out about three weeks ago," he said today.

"It all off a sudden came on.

"I was enjoying a bit of down time with my partner in Thailand and on the last day I was getting a bit sick.

"I had no sympathy from her because she is a nurse and thought I was carrying on a bit.

"But four days later I was getting lower back pain and I had all the symptoms for appendicitis.

"I checked into hospital and I had it taken out."

After playing in the 2017 World Cup with New Zealand, Nikorima was due back at training this week.

But the recovery from surgery means he is restricted to light duties.

He is hopeful that designation will change next week as he gets excited about the season ahead.

Nikorima has sensed a new buzz around the Broncos already after some off-season facility and roster changes.

"I have only got this week I will be spending in rehab," he said.

"I will be running around and starting weights again.

"But next week I will be back with the team which I am really excited for.

"It's a new year and I am sensing a bit of a good vibe around the place.

"We have a new facility and a new-looking squad and a young squad - I am excited to see what they can bring."

Source: Broncos.com.au

 

[Cult]

Kodi still hasn't had a training session this off-season. If any player needed to be there from the beginning it was him.

 

[winslow_wong]

Kodi still hasn't had a training session this off-season. If any player needed to be there from the beginning it was him.

Jeez...There's no way he can learn the nuances of being a halfback with the time left before the season begins

 

[Unbreakable]

https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2018/01/12/pangais-world-cup-lessons2/

TEVITA Pangai junior says his vibrant debut international campaign has taught him lessons he will put into place to make him better at the Broncos.

The young forward showed he could mix it at Test level by earning a spot in the top 17 for Tonga as they strode to the World Cup semi-final.

Pangai had a ripper against New Zealand, having massive impact on the match as Tonga came from 16-2 down to beat the Kiwis.

He also played in the nail-biter semi-final won 20-18 by Wayne Bennett’s England.

“It was awesome,” said Pangai after he returned to pre-season training this week.

“Our goal before the World Cup was to bring all of our people together and by the end we were making Wayne (Bennett) nervous in that semi-final.

“With the players that came through we had a bit of expectation.

“Our motto every time we put on the jersey was to 'Die For Tonga' and we tried to live that.

“Hopefully I can come back and do that for the Broncos.”

Pangai said the experience of playing alongside players of the calibre of Jason Taumalolo would also have an effect.

He came back to training in good shape after being careful with his diet during his mandated six-week break.

It’s easy to forget he is still just 21, but has already played 33 NRL games and five Tests for Tonga.

“To learn off the senior players like Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita was amazing and hopefully I bring that professionalism back here,” he said.

“We have got a good young side here so I tried to look after myself after the break - gone are the days when you can blow out (your weight).

“I'm still a baby at 21 but I was trying to eat less meals and smaller portions.”

Wish everyone in our team had that sort of discipline & motivation. Could be in for a big year from TPJ.

 

[Kyall]

https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2018/01/12/pangais-world-cup-lessons2/



Wish everyone in our team had that sort of discipline & motivation. Could be in for a big year from TPJ.

TPJ is my favourite player and he is a real gun and I hope he gets that 13 jersey. McGuire back at prop where he's best.

 

[Wolfie]

TPJ is my favourite player and he is a real gun and I hope he gets that 13 jersey. McGuire back at prop where he's best.

TPJ wont be lock.

 

[upthebroncs]

Shaun Nona in top squad

 

[winslow_wong]

Shaun Nona in top squad

I hear his name a lot but know nothing of him. Who is he and why is he mentioned so much?

 

[upthebroncs]

Don't know much about him but I believe he has won a lot of titles, awards and rep jerseys in the queensland and nsw cups.

He knows how to guide a team around and has been doing it as one of the best in second grade for years.

He's like Cody Walker, once he gets the chance in first grade he'll prove that he should have been there for years.

I think he'd make a good utility on the bench if we don't use dargan for that role.
Though we have too many good forwards to use on the bench so it's up to Wayne what he does there.

 

[Foordy]

TPJ is my favourite player and he is a real gun and I hope he gets that 13 jersey. McGuire back at prop where he's best.

It appears the long term plan is for Bird to be lock, so that would likely rule out TPJ there ... having said that, He will be a gun off the bench for us...

I think you severely under-estimate how important bench players are, it is a 17 man game not 13 ... not every player needs to be a starter. in fact having a player like TPJ on the bench that can come into the game and not only continue the momentum and intensity of the starters, but also raise the level if needed is an invaluable asset to have.

 

[winslow_wong]

It appears the long term plan is for Bird to be lock, so that would likely rule out TPJ there ... having said that, He will be a gun of the bench for us...

I think you severely under-estimate how important bench players are, it is a 17 man game not 13 ... not every player needs to be a starter. in fact having a player like TPJ on the bench that can come into the game and not only continue the momentum and intensity of the starters, but also raise the level if needed is an invaluable asset to have.

Tell that to the players. How many players move on chasing a starting spot.

 

[Wolfie]

Tell that to the players. How many players move on chasing a starting spot.

Some do, but some can see the value in being a player who makes a difference coming from the bench. TPJ for me at the moment is an impact player. He performs brilliantly coming off the bench, i just dont see him having the same impact as a starter. If these younger blokes feel they dont want to be here and feel they need to be starting, let them go.

 

[winslow_wong]

Some do, but some can see the value in being a player who makes a difference coming from the bench. TPJ for me at the moment is an impact player. He performs brilliantly coming off the bench, i just dont see him having the same impact as a starter. If these younger blokes feel they dont want to be here and feel they need to be starting, let them go.

I feel it's like a stigma that starts at junior levels where bench players are deemed the "nuffy" players.

 

[Kyall]

I would have TPJ run on lock over Bird any day especially if it meant keeping him.

 

[BroncsFan]

I would have TPJ run on lock over Bird any day especially if it meant keeping him.

You've just given Badel his next story.

My sources inside pangai's camp indicate he's unhappy with coming from the bench and will move for a starting spot.

My sources also inform me that the roosters will make a play of around $3m a season and have made a request to the NRL to play with all 17 on the field

 

[badyon]

Tony Kukoc (for those that remember that far back) was a prime example. The Chicago Bulls would not have been so successful without the best number 6 in the league, no matter Jordan’sor Pippen’s input/output.

Scary thing, also, Steve Kerr was their 7th man. Bench and depth very important.

 

[upthebroncs]

If we're intent on keeping our young forward stars then Glenn will definitely have to go and possibly Sims if he doesn't continue to improve. Oates hopefully performs in the second row.

8. Matthew Lodge
10. Josh McGuire
11. Corey Oates
12. Matt Gillett
13. Tevita Pangai Junior
---------------------------
14. Jaydn Su'a
15. Patrick Mago
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Payne Haas

I see nothing wrong with that forward pack once the players have developed further. In a couple of years that forward pack could be the best in the comp..

As depth we could have Andre Savelio, Patrick Carrigan, David Fifita, George Fai.. the list goes on

I would keep Jack Bird as a back. Could develop into a 6 or 1 but I really do think his best position is centre. He'll get run down at lock.

 

[upthebroncs]

So overall a side like this would suffice

1. Anthony Milford
2. Darius Boyd
3. Jack Bird
4. James Roberts
5. Jordan Kahu
6. Kodi Nikorima
7. Troy Dargan
8. Matthew Lodge
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Josh McGuire
11. Corey Oates
12. Matt Gillett
13. Tevita Pangai Junior
----------------------------
14. Jaydn Su'a
15. Patrick Mago
16. Joe Ofahengaue
17. Payne Haas

Assuming Boyd slows down, I'd like Milford to get back to playing like Tedesco does at fullback. Trim him down and let him float around looking for the offloads and overlaps.

Hopefully we have recruited a better halfback or have developed someone decent for what we need on the field.

Su'a would be an ideal utility, reminds me of a more solid Tyrone Peachey.