Hunt backs Nikorima as Broncos No.7
Aug 14, 2017 - 6:41 AM He still has eyes on the No.7 jersey but Ben Hunt has backed Kodi Nikorima as Brisbane's long-term halfback as he prepares for Friday night's NRL clash against his future club St George Illawarra.Hunt admitted he would rather be in the halves but has backed Wayne Bennett's move to shift Nikorima to No.7 for the rest of the season.
Hunt is the Dragons' $6 million man next year but will line up against his future club at Suncorp Stadium on the bench as back-up hooker.
Brisbane have cruised into the top two starting Sam Thaiday at No.9 before replacing him with Hunt after 20 minutes following regular rake Andrew McCullough's season-ending knee injury three weeks ago.
The Dragons signed Hunt on a lucrative five-year deal from 2018 as their star halfback.
And Hunt's preference would be running out in the No.7 jersey against his future club on Friday night.
But Hunt had no complaints after Nikorima slotted effortlessly into the halves with Anthony Milford.
Nikorima has won all nine games he has played as Brisbane halfback including eight alongside Milford.
"I would still rather be in the halves but I am enjoying it, and having a few wins makes it easier but I am having fun," Hunt said.
"And Kodi is the right option going forward.
"He has shown that this year. He has a lot to work on and improve on but he's definitely the right option."
Hunt said he now hoped to become an 80-minute Broncos hooker in the lead-up to the NRL finals.
"I think after a few games I reckon I would like to think I can (play 80 minutes)," he said.
"If I get the opportunity to have a crack at it, but at the moment it is working really well so I can't see anything changing."
Hunt was unconcerned by his future club's wobbly form.
The Dragons are in ninth spot, one win outside the top eight after a promising season start.
"I have watched a few of their games this year and they have a quality side," Hunt said.
"I don't know if they are too wobbly... but I believe they have a quality side going into the future."
Source: AAP
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