Kodi Nikorima meets with Anthony Seibold over Broncos future

Kodi Nikorima set up a meeting with the new Brisbane coach following reports the Broncos had spoken to the Warriors about the possibility of him moving across the ditch.

• How your NRL club’s spine stacks up against the rest
• Cameron Smith’s contract request ‘surprised’ Storm

Broncos halfback Kodi Nikorima has been reassured by new coach Anthony Seibold that he is staying in Brisbane and is the first-choice No.7, following reports he was being shopped around.

The Kiwi international returned to training last week, arriving at Red Hill for season 2019 a little later than most of his teammates due to his tour of the UK with the New Zealand team.

But Nikorima revealed that last week was not the first time he met Wayne Bennett’s replacement in Seibold, after speculation emerged last December that the Broncos had spoken to the Warriors about the possibility of the playmaker moving across the ditch.

While the New Zealand club were quick to shut down the rumours, Nikorima wanted clarity from his new coach and sought that upon his return to Australia last month, with the former South Sydney mentor quick to assure him he had a future with the Broncos.

“I came in last year just so I could meet Seibs in person,” Nikorima said.

Coach Anthony Seibold speaks to Kodi Nikorima during a Broncos training session. Picture: AAP

“Obviously with all that stuff that came out, I felt the need to. Likewise, he got in contact with me as well. It was good to get that out of the way.

“It was just (about) knowing where I stood in the team and vice versa. I came in and he was all positive and told me to enjoy my break and be ready come Jan. That’s what I’ve done.

“That (2020) is my contract and I’m here until then.”

Nikorima was also assured of his position in the halves alongside Anthony Milford.

The 24-year-old thrived while playing under Michael Maguire in the New Zealand team and said he felt Seibold was a similar coach to his international mentor.

He said both men wanted to see him develop into a leader and that was helping him with his confidence on the field – something he hopes fans will see this season.

“I really like Seibs,” Nikorima said.

“I like what he brings. It’s obviously different to Wayne but he spends a lot of time with the halves and that can only benefit my game going forward.

“He’s been tremendous for me so far. He came in and laid down what he wanted from myself and Milf and asked us what we want as well.

“I’m getting comfortable with the plays he wants and the calls.

“I said last year (Maguire) installed the leadership into me and made me feel like it was my team.

“They remind me a lot of each other, Madge and Seibs. They like talking to the halves … hopefully I can bring that (leadership) here to the Broncs.”

It was another tough session under Seibold on Monday morning, with players falling like flies in the heat.

A number of players were unable to finish training due to niggles, including skipper Darius Boyd (tightness in right calf), hooker Andrew McCullough (left hamstring) and new recruit Izaia Perese (left hamstring).

The most concerning injury appeared to come for Joe Ofahengaue, who rolled his ankle and limped off the field.

However, the forward emerged from the sheds later and was walking fine, with Brisbane reporting he just had some swelling around the joint.

Originally published as Kodi Nikorima meets with Anthony Seibold over Broncos future