Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
- 44,119
- 33,258
IT was just over one year ago that Kodi Nikorima emerged on the NRL scene as a promising utility, fresh from the under-20s.
Thirteen months on, he has established himself as a strong and trustworthy man of many talents. But, according to those around him, he still has plenty of that potential to fulfil.
As the Broncos this year creep towards their best start to a season in a decade, it is fair to say a lot of this is thanks to star five-eighth Anthony Milford. However, Milford is apparently not the only one within the Broncos ranks boasting such flair and promise.
In what could be hard to hear news for opposition teams, young aspiring half Nikorima has everything it takes to be the next Milford.
From the ability to create something out of nothing or to slip his way past a defensive line, Nikorima’s Brisbane teammates believe his full potential is just bubbling beneath the surface.
And according to fullback Darius Boyd, he is ready to come racing out of the blocks as soon as this Sunday.
“Like Milf, you don’t know what he is going to do,” Boyd said of Nikorima.
“But he is going to do something so you just have to follow him and the ball and stay alert … he is an exciting player.
“The thing with Kodi is his X-factor. He has so much speed and he reminds me of Anthony Milford in the way he can change a game so quickly.”
When it comes to age, Nikorima is actually three months older than Milford. But there is no denying their careers have progressed at different rates, after Brisbane’s star playmaker made his NRL debut for the Raiders in 2013.
Nikorima in comparison did not find his way into first grade for another two years, instead serving his time as one of the standout players of the under-20s competition. But this weekend, he will now have his best chance to show his Milford-like potential.
The 22-year-old made his NRL debut for the Broncos in Round 2 last year against the Sharks and, in a nice twist of fate, he will wear his first ever starting jersey when he takes them on again this Sunday at Shark Park.
In that 12 months, Nikorima has soared from relative unknown to Kiwi Test player, grand final runner-up and one of Brisbane’s brightest prospects.
He will now take the next step to shed his super sub tag and come in at starting hooker in place of one of Brisbane most consistent players, injured rake Andrew McCullough.
While Nikorima’s teammates have complete faith in him that he will handle the job well, the youngster himself knows he has big boots to fill.
When he speaks to the media, the modest Nikorima lives by the mantra that he will do “whatever is best for the team” — even if that means putting his dreams of being a starting half on hold to stay at Red Hill.
The off-contract star has made it clear that is what he wants from his future, but has also said he mostly wants to stay at the Broncos under the tutelage of coach Wayne Bennett.
To earn himself a new contract at the club, Nikorima has vowed to prove what he is made of and on Sunday, he will have that chance when he takes McCullough’s place in the side — a job he admitted won’t be easy.
“He’s a big loss,” Nikorima said of McCullough. “He’s one of our most consistent players and has been for the last couple of years. I guarantee you he will definitely be missed.”
If Nikorima can match it with his veteran opposition rake, Michael Ennis, he will only improve his chances of staying at Brisbane beyond this season.
Boyd says he has full confidence that the New Zealander can handle the challenge, even with the looming figure of Travis Waddell on the bench.
“He’s starting to play with a bit more confidence,” Boyd said. “When you first come into the NRL, you don’t want to stuff up so you might ignore an opportunity.
“Now, Kodi is seeing something is on and going for it. It’s sad for Macca to be on the sidelines but this is a good opportunity for Kodi to show everyone what he’s got.”
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/a9101cdb8f149232dfa7a5e58bbbd99b
Thirteen months on, he has established himself as a strong and trustworthy man of many talents. But, according to those around him, he still has plenty of that potential to fulfil.
As the Broncos this year creep towards their best start to a season in a decade, it is fair to say a lot of this is thanks to star five-eighth Anthony Milford. However, Milford is apparently not the only one within the Broncos ranks boasting such flair and promise.
In what could be hard to hear news for opposition teams, young aspiring half Nikorima has everything it takes to be the next Milford.
From the ability to create something out of nothing or to slip his way past a defensive line, Nikorima’s Brisbane teammates believe his full potential is just bubbling beneath the surface.
And according to fullback Darius Boyd, he is ready to come racing out of the blocks as soon as this Sunday.
“Like Milf, you don’t know what he is going to do,” Boyd said of Nikorima.
“But he is going to do something so you just have to follow him and the ball and stay alert … he is an exciting player.
“The thing with Kodi is his X-factor. He has so much speed and he reminds me of Anthony Milford in the way he can change a game so quickly.”
When it comes to age, Nikorima is actually three months older than Milford. But there is no denying their careers have progressed at different rates, after Brisbane’s star playmaker made his NRL debut for the Raiders in 2013.
Nikorima in comparison did not find his way into first grade for another two years, instead serving his time as one of the standout players of the under-20s competition. But this weekend, he will now have his best chance to show his Milford-like potential.
The 22-year-old made his NRL debut for the Broncos in Round 2 last year against the Sharks and, in a nice twist of fate, he will wear his first ever starting jersey when he takes them on again this Sunday at Shark Park.
In that 12 months, Nikorima has soared from relative unknown to Kiwi Test player, grand final runner-up and one of Brisbane’s brightest prospects.
He will now take the next step to shed his super sub tag and come in at starting hooker in place of one of Brisbane most consistent players, injured rake Andrew McCullough.
While Nikorima’s teammates have complete faith in him that he will handle the job well, the youngster himself knows he has big boots to fill.
When he speaks to the media, the modest Nikorima lives by the mantra that he will do “whatever is best for the team” — even if that means putting his dreams of being a starting half on hold to stay at Red Hill.
The off-contract star has made it clear that is what he wants from his future, but has also said he mostly wants to stay at the Broncos under the tutelage of coach Wayne Bennett.
To earn himself a new contract at the club, Nikorima has vowed to prove what he is made of and on Sunday, he will have that chance when he takes McCullough’s place in the side — a job he admitted won’t be easy.
“He’s a big loss,” Nikorima said of McCullough. “He’s one of our most consistent players and has been for the last couple of years. I guarantee you he will definitely be missed.”
If Nikorima can match it with his veteran opposition rake, Michael Ennis, he will only improve his chances of staying at Brisbane beyond this season.
Boyd says he has full confidence that the New Zealander can handle the challenge, even with the looming figure of Travis Waddell on the bench.
“He’s starting to play with a bit more confidence,” Boyd said. “When you first come into the NRL, you don’t want to stuff up so you might ignore an opportunity.
“Now, Kodi is seeing something is on and going for it. It’s sad for Macca to be on the sidelines but this is a good opportunity for Kodi to show everyone what he’s got.”
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...d/news-story/a9101cdb8f149232dfa7a5e58bbbd99b
