Anthony Seibold’s arrival puts pressure on Brisbane halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima
After two years of failing to convince, Broncos legend Allan Langer says time is running out for Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford to prove they can deliver as Brisbane’s halves pairing.
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Broncos legend Allan Langer has turned up the heat on Brisbane’s halves as Kodi Nikorima faces a fight to remain at Red Hill.
The Courier-Mail revealed this week Nikorima had been shopped to the Warriors, intensifying speculation new Broncos coach Anthony Seibold is looking to put his stamp on the club.
The Warriors confirmed they had been approached about signing contracted players following Shaun Johnson’s move to the Sharks.
However, the New Zealand club is understood to be lukewarm on the idea of signing Nikorima to replace Johnson.
While Nikorima has received a stay of execution, the Kiwi Test international still has to prove to Seibold he is the man to wear Brisbane’s No.7 jersey next season.
And now Brisbane’s greatest ever halfback has declared the club’s hot-and-cold playmakers need to step up in 2019.
Langer, a four-time premiership winner, said Milford and Nikorima were under the pump to perform next year with Seibold at the helm.
“They have really got to step up next year,” said the former Maroons and Kangaroos halfback.
“They are two great players and getting to that age now where they’ve got to perform week-in, week-out. I think they can do it.
“(Nikorima) is a great young lad. I’d like to see him and Milford stay together. They are a great combination.”
Milford and Nikorima, both 24, have spent the best part of two seasons alongside each other in the halves.
Their combination has been regularly criticised, mostly for the reluctance of either player to take on the organisational role and guide the Broncos.
Former coach Wayne Bennett relegated Nikorima to the bench early last season as he flirted with Jack Bird in the halves.
Nikorima is coming off a strong Test series against England and Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough said he wanted the No.7 to stay in Brisbane.
“Me and Kodi get along really well,” he said.
“I know he’s having a young baby soon, so it’s always hard in this business about knowing what the player wants to do. That’s the way it goes.
“But if Kodi wants to stay, I love playing with him.
“You just never know what’s around the corner in rugby league and what players want to do and what they feel they need to do to improve their game or help set up their family. It’s just a big business and every player knows that now.”
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