Why Nikorima will remain a Dolphin

Kodi Nikorima can’t say what the Dolphins will achieve in the next couple of years, but he likes how the club is building and has signed a two-year deal to ensure he’s part of the action until the end of 2026.

The Mr Fix-it, who has proven he can step into a range of positions when needed, has made the No.6 his own this season and built an exciting halves pairing with Isaiya Katoa.

Nikorima’s decision to extend his contract locks in the Dolphins’ play-making spine.

“I think it’s definitely exciting, especially for the club as a whole. I’ve got some young players around me ... Hammer and Izzy and obviously JMK who’s been one of our most consistent players,” he said after this morning’s training session at Redcliffe.

“He’s out injured at the moment and Plathy’s done a really good job, but JMK is our (number) 9 here and he’s a very good one. Looking at my game, they’re just going to help me. The more they play, the more they’re going to grow as players and leaders within themselves.”

Nikorima said there was no temptation to go anywhere else at this point in his career.

“None at all to be honest. I came here as an inaugural player, really enjoying my time here. We’ve got a great bunch of boys, great coaching staff ... Brisbane’s home for me. You know that saying, happy wife, happy life ... I’m living it right now,” he said.

“I like what they’re building here, the Dolphins, and just the club as a whole. I love the playing group, I love the staff and this is home for me.”

The 30-year-old is playing consistently good footy and has been key to the Dolphins’ success since the club entered the NRL in 2023.

He said knowing Head Coach Wayne Bennett had faith in him as five-eighth and cementing his role this season had made a difference for him as a player.

“When you’re chopping and changing, it not only affects yourself but affects the players around you. For most of the year, me and Izzy have been in the halves which has probably complemented each other,” he said.

“I just think he’s a genuine No.7. He loves taking control and one of his greatest assets is his kicking game. You look across the comp at the moment, every good team has one and I’m glad we’ve got him on our side.

“It’s something you can obviously build on. I talk about looking to the future, but we’ve obviously got a big couple of games coming up. We really want to put our foot down and push for a finals berth.”

So, how far can the Dolphins go in the next few years?

“I don’t know to be honest. We’re worrying about now. We’re still in amongst it this year but we’ve just got to take it one week at a time ... can’t really look too far into the future,” Nikorima said.

“It all starts again this week ... it’s the Bulldogs that are in front of us. They’re a great team, they’ve been playing really well this year. They’re a tough gritty team and we have to turn up.”

The Dolphins take on the Bulldogs at Bundaberg’s Salter Oval on Saturday at 3pm.