Kodi Nikorima leads Brisbane to a 38-10 belting of Gold Coast in NRL trial

KODI Nikorima took an ominous first step in his quest to be Brisbane’s long-term halfback with a classy display in the Broncos’ 38-10 trial flogging of the terrible Titans.

Broncos' Kodi Nikormia during the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans pre-season NRL match at the Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba, Saturday, 17th of February 2018. (AAP Image/Josh Woning)

KODI Nikorima took a formidable first step in his quest to be Brisbane’s long-term halfback with a classy display in the Broncos’ 38-10 trial flogging of the Titans.

The big question mark hovering over the Broncos this season is whether they have a bona fide No.7 to win the title and Nikorima made an emphatic statement at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

New Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan was given a reality check as Nikorima, two-try flyer James Roberts, boom back-rower Jaydn Su’A and 116kg prop Matt Lodge tormented the hapless Titans.

Before the trial, Broncos assistant coach Kevin Walters issued a challenge to Nikorima, urging him to take control of the side in the absence of star pivot Anthony Milford.

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The Kiwi Test utility responded before 8,056 fans, kicking judiciously, organising with composure and featuring in James Roberts’ two-try haul in the opening 13 minutes.

With Nikorima calmly calling the shots, the slick Broncos were never headed, bolting to a 20-0 half-time lead as backline tyros Jonus Pearson and Jamayne Isaako crossed with Roberts.

The Broncos completed the hatchet job after the break, winger Corey Oates submitting a compelling case for a move to the back row with a try on Brisbane’s left edge.

“Kodi was very good,” Walters said. “He has been working really hard on his organisational skills.

“We won’t get too carried away with one performance, but he’s a good player. He keeps working hard and this performance is something can work off.”

Trial form is about as trustworthy as a used-car salesman but three key themes emerged for the Broncos.

Nikorima set up two tries for James Roberts.

The speedy Roberts looks lethal. Controversial prop Lodge, his 966-day NRL exile over, gives Brisbane’s pack authority, incessantly troubling the Titans with his fusion of size and skill.

“He was impressive, he is a big lump of a lad,” Walters said of Lodge. “He got himself into the game from the kick-off and that’s what he is there for.”

But perhaps most importantly, the Broncos’ faith and patience with Nikorima is paying off. At 23, he looks a more mature playmaker organising Brisbane’s attacking structures.

“It was good to get cobwebs out with that first game. I was fairly happy,” Nikorima said.

“I am more confident. One thing I needed to work on was my talk and game-management and I felt I did that.”

Joe Ofahengaue powered over for a try.

The potential for a carve-up appeared after just four minutes when Roberts won the race to a Nikorima grubber.

The NSW Origin hopeful then crossed again nine minutes later, taking a pass from Nikorima and using his speed to torch Titans rival Brenko Lee for an 8-0 lead.

Matt Lodge was in great touch in his NRL return.

Nikorima aside, Brisbane had a number of superb performers. In the forwards, Lodge showed he is NRL quality. Veteran Sam Thaiday had some nice touches and 20-year-old back-rower Su’A is a class act.