GCBRONCO
International Captain
- Mar 4, 2008
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http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...of-finals-charge/story-fniabm4i-1227463621265
KODI Nikorima has been banned from using flick passes but he still hopes to channel the attacking wizardry of his childhood hero Benji Marshall to bring some spark to the Broncos.
With the NRL to reduce interchanges from 10 to eight next season, the code will witness the rise of the supersub and Broncos coach Wayne Bennett believes Nikorima can be his X-factor.
As a kid growing up in New Zealand, Nikorima marvelled at the skills of Marshall, whose no-look flick pass for Wests Tigers in the 2005 decider is etched into grand final folklore.
Nikorima produced his own brand of magic earlier this season, emulating Benji with a midfield dash and flick pass for an Anthony Milford try which sank the Eels in round eight.
But as he prepares for Saturday night’s clash against Manly at Gosford, Nikorima is determined to be Brisbane’s impact weapon with or without the Benji flick pass in his armoury.
“I’ve tried a few flick passes every now and then but I think I’m done now. I stick to the team structure,” Nikorima said.
“Growing up, I loved watching Benji Marshall, his footwork and flick passes were great, not that we’re allowed to do them here.
“Benji’s a class player, he was out of the game for a year (during his brief stint in Rugby union), but I’m glad he’s back because I liked watching him.
“I guess it (his flair) is from my background, Adam Blair (Broncos teammate) would say it’s the Maori in me.
“When I play in this side, it gives me confidence and I just try and take my opportunities.’’
The 21-year-old celebrated his maiden NRL try against the Titans last Friday night, catching the Coast defenders napping with a cheeky snipe from dummy-half.
Nikorima was facing competition for an interchange berth from Matt Parcell, but the hooker’s impending move to Manly has given the 174cm dynamo the chance to be a Broncos regular.
“I am trying to make the most of it when I’m on there,” Nikorima said.
“I just don’t want to let my teammates down because they are doing an awesome job until I get on. It’s the one thing that sticks in my head, not letting my teammates down.
“I couldn’t tell you my best position. After last year, I would have said fullback was my best spot, and I’ve I learnt a lot off Darius Boyd this year with his positional play, but I’m just playing whatever role I can here.
“It’s good when the bench has spark. When Mitchell Dodds and Jarrod Wallace come on, you see the tempo doesn’t drop so when I get on there, I just want to lift the tempo and I get that inspiration from the boys.’’
KODI Nikorima has been banned from using flick passes but he still hopes to channel the attacking wizardry of his childhood hero Benji Marshall to bring some spark to the Broncos.
With the NRL to reduce interchanges from 10 to eight next season, the code will witness the rise of the supersub and Broncos coach Wayne Bennett believes Nikorima can be his X-factor.
As a kid growing up in New Zealand, Nikorima marvelled at the skills of Marshall, whose no-look flick pass for Wests Tigers in the 2005 decider is etched into grand final folklore.
Nikorima produced his own brand of magic earlier this season, emulating Benji with a midfield dash and flick pass for an Anthony Milford try which sank the Eels in round eight.
But as he prepares for Saturday night’s clash against Manly at Gosford, Nikorima is determined to be Brisbane’s impact weapon with or without the Benji flick pass in his armoury.
“I’ve tried a few flick passes every now and then but I think I’m done now. I stick to the team structure,” Nikorima said.
“Growing up, I loved watching Benji Marshall, his footwork and flick passes were great, not that we’re allowed to do them here.
“Benji’s a class player, he was out of the game for a year (during his brief stint in Rugby union), but I’m glad he’s back because I liked watching him.
“I guess it (his flair) is from my background, Adam Blair (Broncos teammate) would say it’s the Maori in me.
“When I play in this side, it gives me confidence and I just try and take my opportunities.’’
The 21-year-old celebrated his maiden NRL try against the Titans last Friday night, catching the Coast defenders napping with a cheeky snipe from dummy-half.
Nikorima was facing competition for an interchange berth from Matt Parcell, but the hooker’s impending move to Manly has given the 174cm dynamo the chance to be a Broncos regular.
“I am trying to make the most of it when I’m on there,” Nikorima said.
“I just don’t want to let my teammates down because they are doing an awesome job until I get on. It’s the one thing that sticks in my head, not letting my teammates down.
“I couldn’t tell you my best position. After last year, I would have said fullback was my best spot, and I’ve I learnt a lot off Darius Boyd this year with his positional play, but I’m just playing whatever role I can here.
“It’s good when the bench has spark. When Mitchell Dodds and Jarrod Wallace come on, you see the tempo doesn’t drop so when I get on there, I just want to lift the tempo and I get that inspiration from the boys.’’
