Unlikely 'elite' star's stocks rise as big offers loom

Kodi Nikorima has found his mojo at the Dolphins this year, but the "elite" star remains off-contract at the end of 2024.

The pint-sized Kiwi international has been in red-hot form at Redcliffe, cementing his spot in the halves for the NRL's newest club.

Nikorima has helped lead the Dolphins into the top four and was impressive against the Sea Eagles on Thursday night in their 30-24 win at Suncorp Stadium.

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And at 30 years of age, Nikorima's game has developed to a point where he is now in the upper-echelon of playmakers in the competition – according to Brad Fittler.

"He is killing it," Fittler said on Wide World Of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth.

"He looks so fast, he is moving faster than everyone else on the field.

"He is becoming elite – [Scott] Drinkwater is a bit the same, they just move so well and look so silky and have great balance.

"Obviously a lot of people are doing a lot of good stuff around Nikorima [at the Dolphins] for him to be playing like that."

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League great Daryl Brohman was also full of praise for the "underrated" five-eighth.

"He makes the right decisions – some of the passing is incredible," he said.

"He is the most underrated player in the game and I don't think there's much doubt about it."

The combination between Nikorima as the elder statesman and Isaiya Katoa as the classy young gun still learning the ropes has paid dividends for Wayne Bennett this year and they could remain the long-term halves at the Dolphins.

However, there are multiple rival clubs circling Nikorima and given the shortage of top-level halves in the NRL, he could be a popular option if the Dolphins don't extend him.

He may yet decide to follow Bennett back to South Sydney, or head down the highway to help the struggling Titans who are in desperate need of a quality playmaker.

Nikorima has played 189 first grade games across stints with the Broncos, Warriors, Rabbitohs and Dolphins, as well as making 15 appearances for New Zealand.