Storm recruit Jayden Nikorima’s journey back into the NRL almost complete

It’s been almost six years since Jayden Nikorima played in the NRL, now he’s back and pushing for round one selection.

Former NRL bad boy Jayden Nikorima has “turned his life around” and is in the mix for a remarkable Round 1 comeback with the Melbourne Storm.

Nikorima has bolted into contention for a spot in Melbourne’s 17 for the Storm’s season-opener against Wests Tigers on March 12.

The Storm have a shortage of playmaking options with Brandon Smith, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster suspended for the first game of the year.

That has opened the door for Nikorima to potentially play his first NRL game in six years.

A former gun junior at the Brisbane Broncos and younger brother of Warriors playmaker Kodi Nikorima, Jayden made his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2016 and played seven matches for the tricolours that year.

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Nikorima training hard with his new NRL club Melbourne. Credit: Melbourne Storm

But his career and life quickly went off the rails, with Nikorima revealing a mix of drugs and alcohol sent him spiralling towards the NRL scrap heap as he had his $750,000 Roosters contract ripped up.

Now 25, Nikorima has fought back from the brink to secure a career lifeline with Melbourne and has passed every test set in the famed Storm system.

“Jayden has been very impressive,” Storm football chief Frank Ponissi said.

“There’s no doubt he’s turned his life around and matured as a person.

“From an off-field point of view he has been outstanding. We couldn’t fault him.

“It’s just the footy side of things he’s been away from for a while. It doesn’t come back straight away.

“Having not trained at this intensity for a number of years, he is still coming to grips with the demands. His effort has been great.

“He is getting better every day. As the season wears on and he gets a few games under his belt anything is possible.“

Nikorima was cut from the Sydney Roosters after failing a drug test. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The Storm signed Nikorima to add depth to their playmaking ranks and as a potential bench utility option.

But he could find himself back in the NRL sooner than expected as the Storm manage suspension issues early in the season.

Starting players Smith and Munster will miss Round 1 due to suspensions incurred from the infamous “white powder” scandal last year.

Hooker Grant will also miss the Tigers game after being suspended for a crusher tackle in Melbourne’s preliminary final loss to Penrith last year.

The upcoming trial games will give Storm coach Craig Bellamy an indication of how Nikorima has transitioned back into an NRL system after being sacked by the Roosters in 2017 for failing a drugs test.

Nikorima was a star in the juniors at the Broncos and played Queensland under-20s. Picture: Peter Cronin

If he shines in the trials, Nikorima could be thrust into a Round 1 baptism of fire with the Storm, otherwise he will make his return through Queensland’s Hostplus Cup.

Ponissi said the Storm had been impressed by Nikorima’s utility value as they look to fill the void left by Cronulla recruit Nicho Hynes.

“He offers utility value, he can play in the halves and we wouldn’t rule him out of dummy-half,” he said.

“There’s no doubt the position vacated by Nicho is going to be hotly contested by a number of players that can play that role off the bench.

“We’ve played with three forwards and a utility over the last few years.

“Jayden will be there, Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart. It’s very competitive.

“Jayden’s been out of the game for a number of years so it’s been a big adjustment but so far we’ve been really pleased with him.

“The number 14 position on the bench is very much up for grabs. He will be one of the few vying for it.”

Jayden Nikorima playing in the Intrust Super Cup. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

Now a father to two-month-old Mali, Nikorima insists he is a changed man and ready to make the most of his second chance in the NRL after launching his comeback bid with the Redcliffe Dolphins last year.

He couldn’t have picked a better club to try and rebuild his career at and believes the Storm will give him the best chance of making amends.

“I have been resilient through my story and their club (Melbourne) is built on resilience,” Nikorima told the Building Better Humans podcast with Glenn Azar, a mindset-and-performance coach who has helped rebuild Nikorima’s life.

“I think I fit the mould with their traits.

“Melbourne actually tried to sign me six years ago (from the Broncos) and when I first went for a meeting, they said if you don’t fit our club culture, you will soon get found out.

“It wasn’t meant to be back then, but I honestly feel Melbourne have a better version of me now. I am living proof that you aren’t your mistake.

“This is massive for me. I know Melbourne is such a big club, but if I can get into the team and they get a feel for who I am, I will jump on the back of that as well.

“I really don’t expect to play a game. I expect to have the hardest pre-season of my life. But I’m looking forward to being part of the system and I’m keen to see what the high performers at the Storm are doing.”

Originally published as Storm recruit Jayden Nikorima’s journey back into the NRL almost complete