Words by Jodie Powell
Kodi Nikorima has been named as the latest foundation Dolphin and will return to Queensland to be part of the club’s entry to the NRL next year.
Nikorima has inked a two-year deal to boost the Dolphins’ depth in the hooker position, where he will compete with Jeremy Marshall-King and young gun Harrison Graham for the number-nine jersey.
It will also mean Nikorima will once again be able to live in Brisbane.
Born in New Zealand, he moved to the Queensland capital at age 12, where he played junior representative football for the Aspley Devils and Wavell State High School.
The 28-year-old has played 151 NRL games since making his debut for the Broncos, covering stints at the Warriors and his recent move to the Rabbitohs.
Nikorima will add some strong cover across a number of positions for the Dolphins squad.
He has been playing at fullback for the Rabbitohs and has plenty of match experience in the halves.
Diverse skills
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader says Nikorima will add versatility to the club’s roster.
“We are pleased to be able to provide the opportunity for Kodi and his young family to return to Queensland,” Reader says.
“Kodi is yet another example of one of the reasons the Dolphins were brought into the competition – to allow local Queensland players to play NRL in the areas they were developed.
“He joins others such as Felise Kaufusi, Tom Gilbert and Edrick Lee who will be doing just that.
“We know he is a very dangerous player as a hooker who can also provide cover for other positions across the backline.
“Kodi has more than 150 NRL games to his name as well as playing Tests for New Zealand and importantly has a history of performing under our head coach Wayne Bennett.”
After playing in the 2014 NYC under-20s Grand Final for the Broncos and representing the Junior Kiwis soon after, Nikorima played in the 2015 Auckland Nines and before making his NRL debut.
He has played 15 Tests for the New Zealand Kiwis and has represented the Maori All Stars team.
Fast facts
Born: April 3, 1994, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Height: 174cm
Weight: 82kg
NRL Games: 151
Representative: 15 Tests for the Kiwis (2015-19); Maori All Stars (2020, 2022)
Previous clubs: Broncos, Warriors
Current Club: Rabbitohs
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