The Dolphins have secured a vital piece of their future with the re-signing of five-eighth Kodi Nikorima until the end of 2026. This new deal not only solidifies the club’s roster but also brings continuity and class to the spine positions as the team prepares for a new chapter under incoming coach Kristian Woolf. Kodi Nikorima Re-Signs with Dolphins, Securing Stability and Class in the Spine
Nikorima, who is set to play his 200th NRL game, signed a two-year extension that will see him remain with the Dolphins for the foreseeable future. His re-signing complements the long-term deals of fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (2027), halfback Isaiya Katoa (2028), and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (2028). Together, these players form a core group that has been instrumental in elevating the Dolphins to eighth place on the ladder, setting the stage for a crucial away clash with the fifth-placed Canterbury Bulldogs in Bundaberg this Saturday.
Nikorima Thriving Under Bennett, Ready for Woolf Era
At 30 years old, Nikorima is playing some of the best football of his career under the guidance of legendary coach Wayne Bennett. With 15 try assists this season, he has been a key playmaker for the Dolphins. Despite Bennett’s impending departure, Nikorima expressed confidence in continuing his journey under Kristian Woolf, who will take over as head coach in 2025.
“I think he is similar to Wayne with the approach that he has,” Nikorima said of Woolf. “He doesn’t beat around the bush. He looks you between the eyes, which I like as a coach, someone who is upfront and honest.”
Nikorima believes Woolf’s straightforward and honest approach will help the team thrive. “I am sure once he gets the team by himself, things will start to click. Wayne is still our head coach now. He is the boss, and we take our orders from him, but Woolfy is his own man, and I can’t wait to play under him.”
Finding Consistency in the Five-Eighth Role
Throughout his career, Nikorima has been the quintessential Mr. Fix-It, filling in various positions including fullback, halves, hooker, and even coming off the bench as a utility player. However, this season, after a focused pre-season at No. 6, he has made the five-eighth position his own.
“It gives you that consistency. When you are chopping and changing, it not only affects yourself but the players around you,” Nikorima said. “For most of the year, me and Izzy (Katoa) have been in the halves, and we have probably complemented each other.”
Nikorima’s partnership with Katoa has been a bright spot for the Dolphins, providing the team with stability in the halves and something to build on for the future. As the season nears its climax, Nikorima is keen to push for a finals berth, with key games against the Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm on the horizon.
A Journeyman Finds a Home
Nikorima’s career has seen him don the jerseys of Brisbane, the Warriors, and South Sydney, making him a well-traveled veteran in the league. His decision to re-sign with the Dolphins was, in many ways, a natural one.
“I came here as an inaugural player, and I am really enjoying my time here,” Nikorima said. “We have a great bunch of boys, a great coaching staff, and Brisbane is home for me. You know that saying, ‘happy wife, happy life,’ I am living it right now.”
As Nikorima continues to make his mark on the field, his re-signing signals the Dolphins’ commitment to building a strong, cohesive team capable of competing at the highest level. With key players locked in and a new coach set to take the reins, the future looks bright for the Dolphins as they strive for success in the NRL.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/14-08-2024/13100/new-nikorima-deal-gives-woolf-his-dream-dolphins-spine
