Buzz highlights-lowlights: Jayden Nikorima set for NRL lifeline with Melbourne Storm

The ex-Roosters playmaker who was banned from rugby league for four years is eyeing a surprise comeback with competition heavyweights Melbourne.

Melbourne Storm are to throw a lifeline to Jayden Nikorima, the player who was banned from rugby league for four years for two cocaine strikes when he was at the Sydney Roosters.

The 24-year-old utility has been playing in the Queensland Cup and has impressed Storm officials with his commitment and determination to make it back to the NRL.

Craig Bellamy loves giving youngsters a second chance and is expected to put him on a train and trial contract.

Nikorima has never given up on an NRL lifeline despite a torrid run with drugs, alcohol and thoughts of self-harm.

Jayden Nikorima has been playing in the Queensland Cup competition. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

STERLO SHOCK: COMMENTATOR TO QUIT NINE

After 27 years on television, Peter Sterling will quit Channel 9 at the end of the season.

It will be part of a huge commentary box shake-up after years of declining ratings at the network.

Sterling has told management and work colleagues of his decision to step down after the grand final to hand his microphone over to a younger colleague.

The 61-year-old Parramatta Eels legend retired from rugby league back in 1992 before joining Nine as a commentator and co-host of The Footy Show alongside his great mate Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin.

Sterlo’s retirement will not be the only major change at the network.

Peter Sterling will quit Channel 9 after 27 years.

It’s interesting that there is uncertainty over the team while their executive Mike Sneesby is in talks with NRL bosses Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo over a new television deal.

Queensland State of Origin legend Wally Lewis is unlikely to have his contract renewed.

There is also mail that the voice of rugby league Ray Warren will retire, although he may call the first State of Origin next year to bring up his 100th NSW v Maroons broadcast.

Nine is now looking towards a younger and more contemporary team.

Viewers will get to see more of the likes of Joey Johns, Freddy Fittler, Billy Slater, Paul Gallen and Cameron Smith.

Billy Slater, Peter Sterling, Erin Molan and Ray Warren.

Friday night and Sunday Footy Show host Erin Molan is also off contract at the end of the year.

It is not clear what roles Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Vautin will play in the future.

Channel 9’s head of rugby league Simon Fordham declined to return phone calls or text messages.

Ray Warren could stay on to commentate Origin. Picture: Phil Hillyard

HIGHLIGHT

Proof provided by the Manly Sea Eagles that Melbourne Storm are not ‘over the line’ certainties to win the premiership. It is a genuine four-horse race between Storm, the Rabbitohs, the Panthers and Manly, who could have beaten Melbourne if possession had not been so lopsided.

LOWLIGHT

With the Sharks trailing by just two points in the dying stages of the must-win game against the Warriors on Saturday, stand-in captain Aaron Woods wanted to take a penalty shot at goal. It was the obvious thing to do with their season on the line. Then came a message from Josh Hannay in the coaching box to overrule him and go for a try. The Sharks lost possession and it was game over. It was a dumb decision by the coach.

REIMIS REGRET

The Roosters rarely get recruitment decisions wrong. Two years ago Anthony Mundine rang the Roosters to offer them his nephew Reimis Smith, who has been an absolute standout in the centres this year for Melbourne Storm, as a cheapie. He’d sure be a handy player for the injury ravaged Roosters right now.

Reimis Smith has been a revelation for the Storm. Picture: NRL Photos

SHOOSH

It’s hard to criticise the tactics of Roosters coach Trent Robinson but questions need to be asked about why Jared Waerea-Hargreaves got only 12 minutes of game time against the Panthers on Saturday.

SHOOSH

Which young NRL young gun has put on 5kg from spending too much time around the breakfast and dinner buffet at his team’s hotel on the Sunshine Coast? His form has suffered as a result.

SHOOSH

The New Zealand Warriors are not just chasing Sydney Roosters star Joey Manu. We’re hearing they are also talking to the Parramatta Eels’ Kiwi five-eighth Dylan Brown.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 at 6.30pm on Fox League with Yvonne Sampson, Paul Kent and James Hooper to discuss all the major stories and issues from Round 21 of the competition.

Originally published as Buzz highlights-lowlights: Jayden Nikorima set for NRL lifeline with Melbourne Storm