Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
- 44,116
- 33,253
BROKEN ranks, team disharmony and rats in the locker room. The Broncos have heard it all this week.
After accusations from radio jock Greg Martin that there was trouble at Red Hill, the premiership pacesetters side have said everything they can to prove why the rumouts were unfounded.
Actions often speak louder than words and while the Broncos prepare to unite for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle, it is not hard to see the strong bonds within the team, particularly the one between Adam Blair, Alex Glenn, Jordan Kahu and Kodi Nikorima.
As Nikorima simply puts it, “it’s a Kiwi thing’’.
When the rest of the Broncos ended last season by chucking their boots in the back of the cupboard and jetting off to exotic destinations, the footy continued for Nikorima, Blair, Glenn and Kahu after they were included in the New Zealand squad to tour England.
It was the first time Nikorima and Kahu had represented New Zealand, an experience which was enhanced by the presence of their more seasoned teammates.
Blair and Glenn there to guide them through their international debuts and the friendship between the four grew stronger. Nikorima says the cultural bond also helps them with their form at Brisbane.
“We all just stick together and we have each other’s backs,” Nikorima said. “We were fortunate enough to tour together last year and then we all went on holiday together. “We did grow a bit and it’s helped us this year as we’ve come back.’’
Kahu is one who has long felt the benefits of having a cultural connection in Brisbane. He struck up a friendship with Glenn while he was with the Broncos under-20s in 2010.
Kahu said Glenn became his go-to man as he battled through major setbacks, including two season-ending knee injuries.
“(Glenn) has helped me massively,” Kahu said. “I’ve looked up to him since I met him. I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me, especially throughout my injuries.
“I felt like I was a bit outside the team when I was injured and he made sure that I felt like I was a part of the group.’’
Since Nikorima’s rise to first grade and Blair’s arrival at Red Hill last year, Kahu and Glenn’s tight friendship group has expanded. Kahu said the inclusion of Nikorima and Blair in the Broncos squad meant it was only natural they gravitated towards each other.
Blair is a big believer in helping younger Polynesian and Kiwi players and Auckland-born Joe Ofahengaue another Bronco who has been taken under the wing of the star forward.
“Most of us have moved away from our family or don’t have many of our family here,” Kahu said.
“It’s quite hard without them. Coming to work every day and knowing that you’ve got a little family within work, it’s pretty good. It gives you that feeling of belonging. We automatically clicked. We have our own crew going on.”
The “crew” may get to pull on the black and white jerseys again in coming weeks, with the trans-Tasman Test against Australia looming.
“If we play better as a team then us four will be able to put our hands up (for selection),” Kahu said.
“Half the reason we made it last year was because our team was going so well. It made us look good. It all comes down to how we’re playing as a team.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/19eca69d4a96b1ba965b630244cf4e3d
After accusations from radio jock Greg Martin that there was trouble at Red Hill, the premiership pacesetters side have said everything they can to prove why the rumouts were unfounded.
Actions often speak louder than words and while the Broncos prepare to unite for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle, it is not hard to see the strong bonds within the team, particularly the one between Adam Blair, Alex Glenn, Jordan Kahu and Kodi Nikorima.
As Nikorima simply puts it, “it’s a Kiwi thing’’.
When the rest of the Broncos ended last season by chucking their boots in the back of the cupboard and jetting off to exotic destinations, the footy continued for Nikorima, Blair, Glenn and Kahu after they were included in the New Zealand squad to tour England.
It was the first time Nikorima and Kahu had represented New Zealand, an experience which was enhanced by the presence of their more seasoned teammates.
Blair and Glenn there to guide them through their international debuts and the friendship between the four grew stronger. Nikorima says the cultural bond also helps them with their form at Brisbane.
“We all just stick together and we have each other’s backs,” Nikorima said. “We were fortunate enough to tour together last year and then we all went on holiday together. “We did grow a bit and it’s helped us this year as we’ve come back.’’
Kahu is one who has long felt the benefits of having a cultural connection in Brisbane. He struck up a friendship with Glenn while he was with the Broncos under-20s in 2010.
Kahu said Glenn became his go-to man as he battled through major setbacks, including two season-ending knee injuries.
“(Glenn) has helped me massively,” Kahu said. “I’ve looked up to him since I met him. I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me, especially throughout my injuries.
“I felt like I was a bit outside the team when I was injured and he made sure that I felt like I was a part of the group.’’
Since Nikorima’s rise to first grade and Blair’s arrival at Red Hill last year, Kahu and Glenn’s tight friendship group has expanded. Kahu said the inclusion of Nikorima and Blair in the Broncos squad meant it was only natural they gravitated towards each other.
Blair is a big believer in helping younger Polynesian and Kiwi players and Auckland-born Joe Ofahengaue another Bronco who has been taken under the wing of the star forward.
“Most of us have moved away from our family or don’t have many of our family here,” Kahu said.
“It’s quite hard without them. Coming to work every day and knowing that you’ve got a little family within work, it’s pretty good. It gives you that feeling of belonging. We automatically clicked. We have our own crew going on.”
The “crew” may get to pull on the black and white jerseys again in coming weeks, with the trans-Tasman Test against Australia looming.
“If we play better as a team then us four will be able to put our hands up (for selection),” Kahu said.
“Half the reason we made it last year was because our team was going so well. It made us look good. It all comes down to how we’re playing as a team.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/19eca69d4a96b1ba965b630244cf4e3d
