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NRL utility Kodi Nikorima will head to the Dolphins for their inaugural season, having signed a two-year deal with the league’s 17th club.
Nikorima only joined current club South Sydney in May after being granted an early release by the Warriors, but will join the Redcliffe-based side after the 2022 season as they continue to accumulate talent for their 2023 debut campaign.
The Dolphins say they’ve signed him as a hooker, but the 28-year-old NZ international has shown his ability to play at fullback and in the halves too.
They already have impressive Canterbury No.9 Jeremy Marshall-King on their books.
Nikorima previously played under Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett when with Brisbane, where he debuted in the NRL in 2015 and went on to play 88 matches.
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Nikorima was ready to return to his home state, having moved to Brisbane from New Zealand when he was 12.
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“Kodi is yet another example of one of the reasons the Dolphins were brought into the competition – to allow local Queensland players to play NRL in the areas they were developed.
“We know he is a very dangerous player as a hooker who can also provide cover for other positions across the backline.
“Kodi has more than 150 NRL games to his name as well as playing Tests for New Zealand and importantly has a history of performing under our head coach Wayne Bennett.”
Rabbitohs half Cody Walker admitted the deal provided a great chance for Nikorima to make his mark at the new club.
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“Obviously, he’s fitted in really well with the culture of the club … he’s a great guy,” Walker told reporters.
“(It’s) great to have around and he’s got a great family. He’s fitted in nicely but I think that’s a good opportunity for him.”
