NRL Dolphins signing news: Kodi Nikorima to leave South Sydney for newcomers

The Dolphins have snared a key piece of their 2023 puzzle, with Wayne Bennett finally signing an experienced playmaker for the NRL newcomers.

Former Broncos halfback Kodi Nikorima is returning to Queensland after signing a two-year deal with the Dolphins.

Nikorima will reunite with former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett at Redcliffe from next season after playing 86 games for Brisbane.

Nikorima, 28, debuted for the Broncos in Brisbane’s 2015 grand final season and spent five years with the club before being released in 2019 to join the Warriors.

A 15-game New Zealand international, Nikorima departed the Warriors midway through this season for a short cameo at South Sydney.

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Rabbitoh Kodi Nikorima will link with the Dolphins on a two-year deal. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Now a 151-game NRL representative, Nikorima will return to Brisbane as part of the Dolphins’ foundation squad.

“We are pleased to be able to provide the opportunity for Kodi and his young family to return to Queensland,” said Dolphins CEO Terry Reader.

“Kodi is yet another example of one of the reasons the Dolphins were brought into the competition – to allow local Queensland players to play NRL in the areas they were developed.

“He joins others such as Felise Kaufusi, Tom Gilbert and Edrick Lee who will be doing just that.

“We know he is a very dangerous player as a hooker who can also provide cover for other positions across the backline.

“Kodi has more than 150 NRL games to his name as well as playing Tests for New Zealand and importantly has a history of performing under our head coach Wayne Bennett.”

PLAYMAKER CHOOSES TO SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS

- Michael Carayannis and Brent Read

The Dolphins have helped offset their failure to land Reece Walsh by signing South Sydney utility Kodi Nikorima for the next two seasons.

News Corp understands that Nikorima informed Rabbitohs officials of his decision in recent days, having opted not to take up an option he had with the club for 2023.

The 28-year-old started his career in Brisbane with the Broncos under Wayne Bennett and will be reunited with the seven-time premiership winner at the Dolphins.

Kodi Nikorima starred in South Sydney's win over Newcastle on Friday night. Credit: NRL Images.

It is understood Souths wanted to keep Nikorima but he was keen to return to Brisbane, where he will provide depth and backup for the Dolphins in the spine as well as compete for the No.14 spot on the interchange bench.

Nikorima played 88 games for the Broncos before moving to the Warriors, where he spent four seasons. He then made a mid-season switch to the Rabbitohs earlier this year and has been a valuable addition, filling in at fullback and half over the past two months.

Coach Wayne Bennett and Kodi Nikorima are seen during the Brisbane Broncos training session in Brisbane, Wednesday, August 22, 2018. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING

The Dolphins are slowly piecing together their roster for next season and Nikorima’s signing comes at the end of a tough week for the fledgling club, who were rocked by the news that Walsh would join the Broncos next season.

The Dolphins had hoped that if Walsh opted not to return to New Zealand next season with the Warriors that he would sign with them.