Nikorima man for Broncos' future: Bennett

Jun 8, 2017 - 5:32 PM First he nabbed the Brisbane No.7 jersey from Ben Hunt.

Now Kodi Nikorima has been endorsed by coach Wayne Bennett as the Broncos' starting halfback for next season.

Nikorima will combine with Queensland five-eighth Anthony Milford in Brisbane's halves for Friday night's NRL clash with South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium after Bennett's shock call to drop Hunt.

The Kiwi's rise from bench utility ensures star halfback Hunt faces an uphill battle to break back into the side in his final season with Brisbane before making his $6 million move to St George Illawarra next year.

Brisbane said they would hit the player market for a replacement marquee half after Hunt announced his lucrative five-year Dragons deal in January.

But Bennett now says he has made up his mind on who will wear No.7 next year.

He said Nikorima proved he was the right man for the prized job by stepping up during Hunt's recent injury absence.

Nikorima helped spark Brisbane's six-game winning run with Hunt sidelined with a hamstring complaint.

Brisbane have lost both matches since Hunt's return.

"We always thought he had a long-term future here, it was just a case of where that was," Bennett said of Nikorima.

"Now with Ben making his (Dragons) decision it has opened up an opportunity for Kodi and there is no doubt Kodi will be the halfback here next year."

Bennett has ruled out granting an early release for Hunt to the Dragons, saying the door is open for an NRL return this season.

Hunt will play in the Queensland Cup for Ipswich against fellow Broncos feeder club Brisbane Norths on Saturday.

"It was not an easy decision but it has been made. It's just form," Bennett said of cutting Hunt.

Bennett will hope Nikorima can spark Brisbane against a fired-up Rabbitohs.

The Broncos coach admitted they "got away with one" in their last meeting in which Milford sealed their round eight 25-24 win in Sydney with a controversial field goal.

Officials were accused of missing a Milford knock-on before the five-eighth regathered to pot the match winner.

"We got away with one in Sydney. I am sure they will come here and want to square up on that - I am sure they will be hard to beat," Bennett said.

Source: AAP