Kodi Nikorima wants to stay at Broncos despite having to bide time for halves spot

BRONCOS utility Kodi Nikorima is confident he will remain a Bronco despite being behind Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford in the halves pecking order.

Kodi Nikorima. The Brisbane Broncos training at Red Hill. Pic Peter Wallis

BRONCOS utility Kodi Nikorima is confident he will be in Broncos colours for a long time to come.

Off contract at season’s end, the young Kiwi representative has repeatedly stated his desire to become a starting half, preferably at Brisbane.

With Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt already running the show for the Broncos, Nikorima would have to put his ambitions on hold to stay at Red Hill, with Wayne Bennett confirming last week that the 22-year-old was still doing his “apprenticeship”.

But the Broncos coach issued a public plea to his super sub to stay amid interest from southern rivals, claiming it was “not his time to leave”.

Nikorima said just hearing that Bennett wants him to stay filled him with confidence, even if the two were yet to officially discuss his future.

“That’s a pretty good wrap to hear it from the master coach,” he said.

“Hopefully I am doing the right things and in the long run I will get that chance.

“We just discuss footy, so no long-term talks just yet.”

Nikorima said he had left contract talks to his manager, Isaac Moses, and just wanted to let his form do the talking.

Kodi Nikorima wants to stay at the Broncos. Pic Peter Wallis

That form has been impressive, with his time on-field increasing to an average of 30 minutes in 2016.

Nikorima said that added time was a sign of Bennett’s trust after his debut year last season.

“For me, it’s still about focusing on playing good footy,” he said.

“That way you give yourself the best opportunity with all that contract stuff ...

“Having that one year under Wayne, I think he trusts me a bit more this year.

“I don’t care how long I play, just as long as I’m playing and that Wayne knows I’m there when and if he needs me.”