Kodi Nikorima will become yet another foundation Dolphin who will return to Queensland to be part of the club’s entry to the NRL.
Nikorima has been signed to a two-year deal to boost the Dolphins’ depth in the hooker position, where he will compete with Jeremy Marshall-King and young gun Harrison Graham for the number-nine jersey.
It will also mean Nikorima will once again be able to live in Brisbane.
Nikorima was born in New Zealand but moved to the Queensland capital at age 12, where he played junior representative football from the Aspley Devils and Wavell High School.
The 28-year-old has now experienced 151 NRL games since making his debut for the Broncos, covering stints at the Warriors and his recent move to the Rabbitohs.
The New Zealand international will also add some strong cover across a number of positions for the Dolphins squad.
He has been playing at fullback for the Rabbitohs and has also had plenty of match experience in the halves.
Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Nikorima would add versatility to the club’s roster.
“We are pleased to be able to provide the opportunity for Kodi and his young family to return to Queensland,” said Reader.
“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.
“He joins others such as Felise Kaufusi, Tom Gilbert and Edrick Lee who will be doing just that.
“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.”
After playing in the 2014 NYC under-20s Grand Final for the Broncos and representing the Junior Kiwis soon after, Nikorima played in the 2015 Auckland Nines and then made his NRL debut.
He has played 15 Tests for the New Zealand Kiwis and has represented the Maori All Stars team.
Kodi Nikorima
Born: April 3, 1994 (Palmerston North, NZ)
Height: 174cms
Weight: 82kg
NRL Games: 151
Representative: 15 Tests for the Kiwis (2015-19); Maori All Stars (2020, 2022)
Previous clubs: Broncos, Warriors
Current Club: Rabbitohs
