By Kennedee Jeffs

 “It was always the dream,” says Kodi Nikorima ahead of today’s Holden Cup grand final between the Brisbane Broncos and the New Zealand Warriors. 

“But I never thought I’d actually make it this far,” says the young Broncos full back.

It’s that kind of sentiment that says it all really.

The man is humble.

He won’t tell you what his strengths are because he doesn’t want to sound big headed but he’ll easily wax lyrical about his younger brother Jayden, his flat mate Dale Copley, or any of his heroes growing up with no hesitation.

As an outsider looking in, it’s hard to fathom how someone who has played rugby league since they were four years old and who was signed at age 12 could not admit they might be destined for a first grade professional career however Nikorima is under no allusions of grandeur.

“Hopefully,” is all he’ll say when asked if he thinks he’ll make it back representing the Broncos at the Auckland 9s next year or if he’ll get a chance to play in some first grade games.

“We’ll see what happens. I just want to get another pre-season under my belt.”

With the return of Wayne Bennett, Nikorima is aware the Broncos will go through some changes. He doesn’t seem worried but accepting of the nature of change.

He hasn’t spoken to Bennett yet himself, but he sees the legendary coach’s honesty and ability to be straight up as the sort of qualities he, himself, would want in a coach.

In any case, whatever is going on – at the club or in the media – you can be assured Nikorima isn’t bothered by any of it – and that applies to any hype around today’s game.

“It’s just another game,” Nikorima says, undeterred by the Warriors impressive grand final record or the fact that he grew up supporting the New Zealand side himself until he moved to Queensland aged 11.

Nikorima doesn’t invest in pre-game rituals – he says he’ll have his regular bowl of cornflakes like normal but that’s about it.

“I’m confident, excited, and not too nervous really,” he says calmly.

Not even the thought of lining up against friends like Mason Lino, Sam Lisone and Jazz Tevaga troubles him.

Nikorima says they’ve been in contact throughout the finals season, no banter but just to see how each other are and wishing each other luck – a testament to friendships off the field.

“Come Sunday though,” he laughs. “There are no friends on the field, not at all.”

“They’re [the Warriors] a physical team so we’ll need to match that. Complete sets, kick goals, stick to structure and don’t get into the hype,” he says when quizzed on their game plan.

He says he hasn’t spent a lot of time researching full-backs from other Holden Cup teams this season – preferring to focus on his own game instead but he’s seen his Warriors opposite, Bradley Abbey, play a few games and he rates him as a good player.

Just like Abbey, Nikorima is the eldest of 4 brothers (Jayden, Isiah and Harlem) and family means everything to him.

 “My mum is definitely our No#1 supporter, she’s been to all the finals games. I can always hear her. I tell her not to yell my name – so she yells at the other boys instead – but I can still tell it’s her,” he says fondly of mum, Deb.

He credits his mum and dad, Cal’s sacrifices as putting him in the position he now experiences.

“They quit their jobs in Christchurch and moved here for us – I can’t thank them enough.”

“My old man trained me. Growing up, we did it every day. Dad always took the time to train us.”

He says it was Dad who got him into playing league as a child.

“Dad and all his brothers played so I started playing at four and grew up living and loving rugby league. I guess you could say it’s in the blood.”

And I guess you could – because Kodi’s not the only Nikorima in the U20’s.

Younger brother Jayden, will come off the bench today – his 18th birthday - and while the idea of having a sibling biting at your heels might be something that bothers some, Kodi is not worried in the slightest.

“We clashed a lot growing up. He used to really get on my nerves but around 15 he started growing up and we’ve got a really close bond playing together this year. I guess you could say he’s my best friend.”

This year has marked the first time the brothers have got to really play together and he says seeing Jayden mature as a player has really made him proud.

“We’ve grown out of competition and competing with one another. We give each other good and bad feedback. I love having my brother there,” he says.

Playing side by side may be something that takes a break for a while however because the NYC’s version of the big dance, signals Nikorima’s last waltz with the U20's as he came of age this season.

“I’ll give it my all being my last game and all so yeah, it may be a bit emotional,” he says but he won’t let that get the better of him.

“It’s just another game,” he says again – although if the Broncos win - Nikorima may just be the first person to win a Cyril Conell Cup, Mal Meninga Cup , Colts and a Holden Cup.

That will undoubtedly be a career highlight for the 20 year old – right up there with being named in the inaugural Broncos' 9s team this year and playing alongside the likes of Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday and Ben Barba – a feat he is hopeful of replicating again next year even if he won’t say it out loud.

While he lives and breathes rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos – numerous trainings and then coming home to his flat mate, first grade player, Dale Copley who he has enormous respect for, Nikorima has pledged his allegiance to the Kiwis.

Born in Palmerston North, he moved to Christchurch aged 4 and is proud of his fathers Ngai Tahu and Nga Rouru heritage.

His heroes growing up and even now – are Kiwis too.

 When asked who he looked up to as a kid he has no hesitation – “Benji.”

(Nikorima’s preferred position is 5/8th)

“His footwork and his speed… yeah. At the Tigers, he was a freak.”

He also admits to getting a little star struck too when he shared the changing sheds with Sonny-Bill Williams this season.

What has made Benji Marshall and Williams fan favourites, aside from their x-factor on the field, is certainly how they connect with the fans which is something Nikorima says he is still getting used to.

He says getting asked for his autograph is both “weird and humbling” but as a kid he did the same thing, so he doesn’t mind too much.

His advice to those kids watching on the sidelines, in the stands and at home is:

“Keep dreaming, train hard and you never know what could happen.”

Today, ANZ Stadium might be Nikorima’s very own field of dreams with a fairytale ending to his Under 20’s career.

“We’ll see what happens,” is all he’ll say.

-Kennedee Jeffs