Nikorima signs three-year Broncos deal

Jul 17, 2017 - 3:56 AM Brisbane appears to be out of the race for Ash Taylor after re-signing aspiring halfback Kodi Nikorima for the next three NRL seasons.

The deal, announced on Monday, ensures Nikorima will stay put at Red Hill until at least the end of 2020.

The 23-year-old is seen by the Broncos as the long-term halves partner for Anthony Milford, who also signed a multi-year extension earlier this season.

They had been linked to a possible move for Gold Coast star Taylor, who is set to become one of the game's most in-demand players as he approaches the end of his current deal in 2018.

But with veteran Benji Marshall also reportedly offered a new contract for next year, it appears any plans they had to poach Broncos junior Taylor would be shelved.

Nikorima has served a utility role for the Broncos but has made no secret of his desire to become a full-time playmaker, and he will get his chance when Ben Hunt shifts to St George Illawarra next season.

"I see myself as a half and that's where I want to play," he told reporters on Monday.

"(Wayne Bennett) just said there's an opportunity here for me and that pretty much sold it for me.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking elsewhere but in saying that, my number one priority was to stay at the club."

Broncos CEO Paul White said he was delighted to lock in Nikorima, who was born in New Zealand but has been with the club since he was a teenager.

"He showed everyone just what he can do in his favoured position of the halves when given an stint there this this season," he said.

Veteran Broncos forward Sam Thaiday said he could see Nikorima becoming a "big part" of the club's future.

"Very electric, still young and has got a lot of good footy in front of him," he said.

"We saw that this year with Benny Hunt out injured, Kodi really stepped into that role and I think we won five out of six games when Kodi was playing in the halves."

Source: AAP