New Zealand Warriors star Kodi Nikorima granted immediate release to join new NRL club

New Zealand international Kodi Nikorima has played his last game for the Warriors, the club confirmed on Monday morning.

Nikorima has also represented the Maori All Stars. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

New Zealand Warriors playmaker Kodi Nikorima has joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the remainder of the 2022 season.

News Corp was first to reveal that Nikorima had been in contact with the Rabbitohs and on Monday, the Warriors confirmed he had been granted a release from the remainder of the one-year contract he signed last year.

He made his last appearance for the club on April 17, against the Sydney Roosters.

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Nikorima will add utility value to a Souths side that has struggled for consistency in attack without Adam Reynolds.

While he looks unlikely to displace either Lachlan Ilias or Cody Walker from the halves at his new club, Nikorima could provide spark off the bench and prove a handy injury replacement.

The New Zealand international’s contract with the Rabbitohs includes a player option for 2023.

Nikorima is leaving the Warriors immediately (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“Kodi has been a strong performer at NRL and international level for a number of seasons now, across many positions including all of the key spine positions,” said Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison.

“He will add depth to our side across many facets of the game and we feel he can bring another dimension to our attack as well as strength to our defence when he is on the field.

“His experience will also be valuable to many of the young players we have in our squad. We look forward to seeing Kodi in our cardinal and myrtle jersey this season.”

When Shaun Johnson arrived back at the Warriors this season, Nikorima found himself fighting for a spot in the starting side.

The Warriors said they weren’t going to “stand in (Nikorima’s) way” as he pursued other opportunities.

“We were committed to having Kodi for the rest of the year but he and his management requested an immediate release,” said Warriors general manager of football Craig Hodges.

“He wanted to take up an offer elsewhere. Given the circumstances we weren’t going to stand in his way.

“We thank Kodi for the contribution he has made to the club over the last three years and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

Nikorima in action for New Zealand. Russell Lansford/Getty Images/AFP

In total, Nikorima has made 145 first grade appearances since his debut with the Brisbane Broncos in 2015.

He played in the 2015 Grand Final with the Broncos and has featured at international level for New Zealand on 15 occasions.

Originally published as New Zealand Warriors star Kodi Nikorima granted immediate release to join new NRL club