Jayden Nikorima signs three-year deal with Sydney Roosters

THE Broncos have suffered a blow today losing their hottest backline prospect, Jayden Nikorima, to the Sydney Roosters in a $600,000 recruitment coup.

THE Broncos have suffered a blow today losing their hottest backline prospect, Jayden Nikorima, to the Sydney Roosters in a $600,000 recruitment coup.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett pledged not to lose any player he wanted to keep, but money and opportunity has delivered Nikorima to the Bondi glamour club.

The Queensland under-20s sensation agonised over his future for five months and was being chased by a number of NRL rivals, including Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm.

The Broncos fought hard to keep Nikorima, improving their offer at the eleventh hour, but the pint-sized utility couldn’t resist a three-year deal with the Roosters.

The Roosters today confirmed Nikorima’s acquisition in a deal worth around $200,000 a season.

The 18-year-old is one of Queensland rugby league’s most talented prospects, having represented the Junior Kangaroos and Maroons under-20s Origin team this season.

Jayden Nikorima has signed with the Roosters. Pic Darren England.

The speedy Nikorima can play fullback, centre, five-eighth and hooker and shapes as a super sub that can help offset the loss of Roosters sensation Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the Warriors.

ROUND 25: Full team lists here

The younger brother of Broncos NRL utility Kodi, Nikorima underwent a shoulder reconstruction a fortnight ago but will be fit for the Roosters’ next pre-season.

Broncos under-20s coach Craig Hodges has no doubt Nikorima is ready for NRL action next season after starring at NYC level.

“It’s a shame to lose Jayden, he’s a great talent,” Hodges said.

“The Roosters have got themselves a good buy, I imagine they have bought him to play some NRL next year and Jayden would be ready for that.

“He’s got blinding speed, he’s one of the fastest players I have seen. You can’t coach speed in this game and Jayden has it in spades.

“He’s got the attributes to be a handy utility. I’m not sure if even Jayden knows what his best position is but he’s capable of playing in the halves and with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck moving on, he could be an option for them at fullback.”