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Message: [QUOTE="GCBRONCO, post: 2718902, member: 1808"] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans][url=http://www.broncos.com.au/news/2016/01/13/nikorima_s_secret_te.html#sf18690537]Nikorima's Secret Test Start - Broncos[/url] IF there one thing we have learned from the Kiwis' recent tour of England, it is that Kodi Nikorima can keep a secret.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]Nikorima completed a stunning year of development when he started for New Zealand at halfback in their 2-1 Test series last against England in November.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]It is easy to forget that just 12 months earlier he was playing under 20s for the Broncos.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]In 2016 he made his NRL debut, played in an NRL grand final, made his Test debut off the bench and then started a Test match at halfback.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]And all on the quiet, after Kiwi Test coach and Broncos' assistant Steve Kearney pulled a shock move by starting him at half.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"It was a bit of a shock for myself," said Nikorima of his elevation.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"I was proud to honour myself and my family.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"To go over there and be among players like Isaac Luke and Roger Tuivasa-Scheck was a good experience.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"It (the Test start) was a secret - the only person I told was my partner back at home.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"I couldn't even tell my parents who had flown over there. I had to keep it on the lowdown.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"I found out on the Thursday and the Test was on the Saturday.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"'Mooks' (Kearney) just took me aside and told me, and I was like 'sweet'."[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]But Nikorima knows it doesn't mean there are any promises at the Broncos, and is making sure he isn't getting ahead of himself.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"I am a utility for a reason and will play wherever Wayne (Bennett) says," he said.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"If it is on the bench again, so be it and I will bide my time.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"I am enjoying the experience - it was only my debut last year.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"It's pretty surreal - I remember just being in a 20s grand final, and then to go on to an NRL grand final was amazing."[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]His Kiwi captain and Broncos' teammates Adam Blair was full of praise for Nikorima's contribution for New Zealand.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]He said he took to the task with his usual attitude.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"I think Kodi has worked really hard to be in the position he is," said Blair.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"He has worked hard on and off the field.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"He is just a kid and enjoys life and enjoys football and that's the way he plays.[/FONT][/COLOR] [COLOR=#333333][FONT=Open Sans]"It wasn't a shock for him when he got put in the halves, so he just went out there and excelled."[/FONT][/COLOR] [/QUOTE]

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