Kodi Nikorima will head into the off-season as a firm favourite to assume the Dolphins’ No.6 jumper long-term, having orchestrated a shock 34-10 triumph over the Warriors to end their inaugural campaign.
The former Kiwi Test utility was at his elusive best at five-eighth, as his late passing game and sleight of hand proved a nightmare for the New Zealand defence.
Jamayne Isaako of the Dolphins pushes away from the defence.Credit: Getty
Finishing with four line break assists, two try assists and a line break, Nikorima’s masterclass helped end a six-game losing streak and delivered just the club’s second win since their Round 13 victory over the Dragons.
With a host of their stars sidelined – including Shaun Johnson, Tohu Marris, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – the Warriors were overpowered by a Dolphins outfit playing with the kind of freedom that had evaded them in the past three months.
They will now head into the finals in fourth place.
It took just eight minutes for Dolphins rookie Jack Bostock to open the scoring, his incredible put down in the corner after a Jamayne Isaako intercept sending Suncorp Stadium into a frenzy.
Max Plath of the Dolphins celebrates with teammates after scoring a try during the round 27 match.Credit: Getty
Halfback Sean O’Sullivan’s first try in the red jumper courtesy of a silky show-and-go extended the margin, before Nikorima stepped up to the plate.
First it was his line break through the middle of the field that presented a chance for Isaiya Katoa to cross, before he then made a half-break and showed great class to help Isaako into the corner for his 24th try of 2023.
A wayward pass deemed forward off Isaako, after he was put into the clear by Nikorima, denied the latter a try of his own early in the second half.
New Zealand finally got on the board through hooker Freddy Lussick, who dove over from dummy-half at close range.
They hit back again almost immediately, a long-range effort beginning with a Josh Curran line break ending in the hands of Marcelo Montoya to score.
However, it was by and large the Nikorima and show, his crafty footwork putting Max Plath over to all but seal the match.
A piece of Tesi Niu magic late in the piece then put Kenny Bromwich over to close the contest.
Having played everywhere throughout the spine and backline in 2023 – the theme of his career – Nikorima’s Saturday afternoon performance could be a sign of some consistency to come next year and beyond.
Isaako’s history
Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has praised Isaako’s growth at various stages throughout the season – the winger he said no one wanted but was blessed with untapped potential.
Even in a side often on the wrong end of the scoreline, the 27-year-old is on the cusp of earning himself some history in becoming the first player since Mal Meninga to finish as the competition’s leading point scorer (244) and try scorer (24) in the same season.
Jamayne Isaako celebrates with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.Credit: Getty
It will take a four-try performance from Newcastle Knights winger Dominic Young to unseat him of the top try-scorer mantle.
Having played the last of his five Tests for New Zealand back in 2019, Isaako could factor into selection calculations for the end of year international clashes, having averaged close to 170 running metres a game in 2023.
Finals beckon
Despite the way they have ended the regular season, the Warriors will head into their first finals campaign since 2018 with plenty of running.
Who they face will be dependent on the outcome of the Cowboys and Panthers clash this evening – a North Queensland loss will pit them against the defending champion’s, while a Penrith defeat will take them back to Brisbane to battle the Broncos.
Shaun Johnson has turned back the clock at the Warriors this year.Credit: Getty
But with Johnson, Nicoll-Klokstad, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak all returning, and Harris hopeful of an injury comeback, coach Andrew Webster and his men will be fit and firing to complete a remarkable turnaround after years in the doldrums.
