Moving to the NZ Warriors could be just the change Kiwis half Kodi Nikorima needs to re-energise his career, says NRL veteran Michael Ennis.
The Brisbane number seven is rumoured to head across the Tasman as early as this week, as the Auckland-based close tries to fill a glaring void left by the off-season loss of Shaun Johnson.
While rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita has developed nicely as Johnson's replacement, an injury to veteran Blake Green has exposed the lack of halves depth at the Warriors (2-5), making Nikorima's acquisition vital to resurrecting their season.
The NZ international has struggled in his Broncos partnership with Anthony Milford and Ennis, now a Fox League commentator, believes the proposed move could benefit him.
"That could be a great move for Nikorima," he told the Big League show. "If he could go over there and play with someone structured and confident, and willing to steer a side around like Blake Green, that would free Kodi up to do what he does best - run the footy.
"That would be great for him."
While Green recovers from his groin strain, Nikorima would partner Harris-Tavita in the Warriors halves and when Green returns, Harris-Tavita, 20, would resume his understudy role.
St George Dragons half Ben Hunt, who combined with Nikorima and Milford to steer the Broncos to the 2015 Grand Final, claims the pair are too similar in playing style to co-exist.
"I see 'Milf' and Kodi as the same kind of player," he told Big League. "They need someone to have that direction for them.
"They like playing off the cuff and with their eyes in front of them. They just lack that little bit of direction around the middle to pull it all together."
Nikorima is under an injury cloud for Brisbane's next outing against South Sydney Rabbitohs on Thursday, while the Warriors host the Knights (2-5) on Sunday. Those line-ups will be named on Tuesday.
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