The Warriors are on the verge of signing Brisbane's Kodi Nikorima on a massive three and a half year deal, according to Fox Sports.
It is understood that the 25-year old would join New Zealand immediately and his new contract will be worth double what he's making at the Broncos, which stands around $250,000.
Nikorima was ruled out of Thursday's clash with the Rabbitohs by coach Anthony Seibold on Tuesday morning due to a calf issue, meaning he may have played his last game for the Broncos.
“Kodi did a good job to prove himself fit for the match last weekend on a six-day turnaround and played well against the Sharks,” Seibold told Broncos.com.au.
“He also has some decisions to ponder around his future, decisions that are not easy to sift through, and may affect his family.
“So considering the tight turnaround between matches, we think it is best he does not play against the Rabbitohs on Thursday.
“It will give Kodi the time and space to think through his decision.”
Tom Dearden is set to make his Broncos debut in Nikorima's absence.
Interesting signing going to have to put Tohu Harris on his side to help him defensively but can’t deny he has got serious talent.
Probably happening because warriors are getting sick of Blake Greens week to week injuries which will see Chanel Harris-Tevita get game time more often this season.
Hope we don’t lose Hayze Perham because of this he has got a bright future and needs to be in that warriors 17 in the future
And so it goes…
If you sign a halfback for that amount, he’s going to be the first choice half. Then they are likely to lose an up & coming player because of it. Can’t have your cake & eat it too.
Pretty much nailed it warriorsemg. Harris-Tavita has done a good job for a new kid straight into a struggling Warriors outfit. Hayze could fielded to add some much needed spark off the bench.
Hopefully they stick with CHT starting he’s been great. I can Understand Niko coming in for Green with his injuries lately. Niko is 25 and not exactly going to grow, CHT is the next Johnson but not as fast but he can tackle.If everyone is fit I’d suggest starting Jazz Teveaga at lock. And having Nikorima off the bench as that impact player.
Teveaga is young and definitely deserves a go in the starting 13. At lock he will make plenty of tackles and get those extra phase offloads. Niko can cover backs and halves and still regularly get minutes off the bench sharing the hooking role with Issac Luke.
As for Hazye Perham, he’s an awesome youngster who would be great at Fullback but that’s not happening. I think the Warriors should play him at centre in reserve grade and groom him to move up to first grade next year.
Obviously if fit this is the starters but in reserve grade I’d have:
1. RTS——————Beale
2. Fusitua———-Soosemea
3. Hiku—————-Perham
4. Kata—————-Herbert
5. Maumalo——-Milne