Keebra Park product Briton Nikora helps Cronulla Sharks defeat Gold Coast Titans in NRL Magic Round

While Jesse Arthars was making his NRL debut in Gold Coast colours, another Keebra Park product was continuing his stellar rookie season opposite him.

WHILE Jesse Arthars was making his NRL debut in Gold Coast colours, another Keebra Park product was continuing his stellar rookie season opposite him.

Before March, few knew the name Briton Nikora.

His story of being too small to get noticed has been well documented in the past couple of months but now that he has hit the big time, there’s no stopping him.

The 21-year-old turned in yet another strong performance to help Cronulla to their fifth win of the season at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

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“He doesn’t look like a rookie does he?” said Sharks coach John Morris, who previously worked with Nikora for two years at under-20 level.

John Morris has sung Nikora’s praises. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s amazing how he has taken to this level of footy.

“He is just a great kid. He was a bit busted … he had to push through the pain barrier but yeah he is getting better every week and I’m just so proud of him for the season he is having and where he has come from.”

Nikora was born across the ditch in Mount Maunganui and grew up in a family that adored the Warriors.

He moved to the Gold Coast in 2008 at age nine and spent time playing with the Parkwood Sharks, Nerang Roosters and Tweed Seagulls.

Briton Nikora. Picture: Getty Images

Despite his relatively low profile, Nikora was always eyeing making his mark this year and beat Jayson Bukuya and Scott Sorensen in the race to partner Kurt Capewell in the starting second-row.

“Playing Newtown last year, I was just trying to play good footy,” he said.

“My goal was I wanted to play Round 1 for this year.

“Pre-season wasn’t too good, I got injured for the first half of the pre-season and my confidence went down a little bit trying to get that Round 1 spot.

“But it’s just awesome to be playing NRL. It’s a dream come true.”