Kodi Nikorima

Warriors name Kodi Nikorima to partner Shaun Johnson in NRL opener

The Kiwis pair have been confirmed to start in the halves for Saturday's clash with the Dragons on the Sunshine Coast.

The match will be Johnson's first in Warriors colours since September, 2018, with the 31-year-old returning after several seasons with the Cronulla Sharks.

Nikorima won the race to partner Johnson, with new recruit Ash Taylor named on the extended bench.

Chanel Harris-Tavita had been given the nod at fullback, filling the void left by suspended young star Reece Walsh.

Kodi stakes claim, star in trouble and epic captain’s knock - NRL All Stars Three Big Hits

Raiders star Jordan Rapana was placed on report twice for shoulder charges, while Sharks enforcer Andrew Fifita was sin-binned in his comeback match.

Rapana’s second hit ignited a melee and he was binned alongside Fifta who was playing his first game in 181 days following a career-threatening throat injury.

Maori skipper Joe Tapine was immense alongside his co-captain Kodi Nikorima, while Indigenous duo Josh Curran and Will Smith failed HIAs.

KODI STAKES CLAIM

Kearney coy on Nikorima joining Warriors

Nikorima has been left out of the Broncos side to play South Sydney tomorrow with Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold saying he needed time to ponder his future.

Seibold has said he couldn't guarantee the out of form Nikorima a future at the NRL club beyond 2020.

An announcement on Nikorima's early release from the Broncos is believed to be imminent and Kearney confirmed the Warriors had offered Nikorima a four year deal from 2020 but Brisbane appear ready to let him go sooner although Kearney was sensitive about discussing Nikorima's immediate future.

Long-awaited comeback for Nikorima

It's been a long road to recovery for Nikorima who has not played since July last year after dislocating his shoulder in Brisbane's loss to Melbourne in Round 17. 

Broncos lose Kodi Nikorima, Jack Reed to season ending shoulder surgery

Coach Wayne Bennett confirmed on Wednesday that neither Reed nor Nikorima will play again this season, with Reed’s ongoing arthritis issues threatening to end the 28-year-old’s career.

Kiwi international Nikorima will also be out of the Broncos finals campaign and most likely New Zealand’s Four Nations tournament as well in November.

Having already had four separate surgeries on his troublesome shoulders in the past, Reed’s future has been clouded since the English international admitted the chronic injuries could affect him for the rest of his life.