Andrew Johns has high hopes for Roosters rising star Jayden Nikorima

IT has been a rocky initiation for Jayden Nikorima at the Roostsers bit the presence of the eighth immortal is helping him cope with the pressure.

Jayden Nikorima during Sydney Roosters training at Kipax Lake Oval,Moore Park .Picture Gregg Porteous

FOR rising Rooster Jayden Nikorima, working alongside the eighth immortal Andrew Johns every day is like a dream.

But Nikorima admits, tongue firmly planted in cheek, there has been one big disappointment from his time under Johns as a halves coach.

“I still haven’t got his number yet,” Nikorima said.

Jayden Nikorima has had a tough initiation but Andrew Johns is happy with his progress. .Picture Gregg Porteous

“I’m sure he’d give it to us if we needed it though.

“Joey gave us a phone call when we were over in England for the World Club Challenge to give us a few tips before the game — it was unreal.

“Growing up I never thought I’d be coached under the eighth immortal.

“I’m still learning every little thing off him and hopefully I can improve my game from that.”

Thankfully Nikorima has had Johns by his side, because initiation to life at the Roosters this season certainly hasn’t been easy.

Five consecutive losses to start the year was a huge test for the chooks’ seasoned campaigners, let alone a rookie halfback.

The former Bronco arrived at Bondi on the back of 13 games off the bench last season, but Mitchell Pearce’s suspension thrust him into the starting side much sooner than he expected.

As daunting as this challenge has been for Nikorima, he admits the presence of Johns has significantly helped him cope with the extra pressure.

Trent Robinson passing on his guidance to Jayden Nikorima.

“I’ve learnt so much from Joey,” he said.

“Like just getting to specific spots on the field and learning what his thought process is with defenders and how he plays against other defenders.

“I’m still continuing to learn and hopefully my game can grow off that.

“Joey comes to most training sessions and we get all the halves in and he does one-on-one sessions with us after training.

“He has told us what he has done in different situations.

Jayden Nikorima in action for the Roosters. Picture Kym Smith

“Hopefully I can learn all I can off Joey and repay it back to all the young fellas.”

You can understand Nikorima’s excitement working with Johns — the bloke he emulated as a kid — but Johns is just as enthused about guiding the emerging No.7.

“He (Jayden) is a pleasure to coach — he is a really nice young fella and he is coming along nicely,” Johns said.

“He is still only young at 19, so he has got so much in front him if he works hard.

“It has probably been tough for him the first few rounds with all the players out, but he is showing good signs.

“For me I love coaching and bringing on young guys and helping them out and that’s what happening there at the Roosters.

“I’m really enjoying it.”

As testing as the Roosters’ slow start to the season has been for the club’s young players like Nikorima, Johns insists the difficult times will only make them stronger in the long-term.

“It teaches them invaluable lessons,” he reasoned.

“I have no doubt Jayden will remember how tough it is and it will make him work harder and harder.”

As for Nikorima’s request for Johns’ phone number, the Johns said: “I’ll have to pass it on ... I thought he had it.”