Kodi Nikorima, who made his debut for the New Zealand national rugby league team 12 seasons ago, is expected to play a crucial role for the Kiwis at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The squad, to be announced this week, will feature prominent players including captain James Fisher-Harris, Warriors teammate Erin Clark, and Roosters prop Naufahu Whyte, all Dally M Team of the Year selections.

While the team boasts considerable depth, a significant challenge remains at the standoff position due to the absence of Dylan Brown, sidelined by injury. Coach Stacey Jones faces a key decision as Nikorima, 32, appears to be the front-runner for the No. 6 jersey. Another option is Knights captain Kalyn Ponga, who could be shifted to standoff, with Keano Kini potentially filling the fullback role. However, given Ponga’s strong natural form demonstrated during the recent NRL finals and Nikorima’s extensive experience—116 NRL starts at five-eighth—it seems more practical to retain Ponga in his preferred position and rely on Nikorima at standoff.

Nikorima has accumulated 18 test appearances since his 2015 debut at age 21 and currently enjoys a strong run of form. The Manawatū native has been a key contributor in the Dolphins’ sharp attacking setup, which was regarded as the most potent in the NRL this season. Despite moving to the Dragons next year, his impactful performances at Redcliffe contributed to the Dolphins’ first-ever preliminary final run. His effective partnership with winger Herbie Farnworth this year is likely to be mirrored alongside emerging Penrith talent Casey McLean for the Kiwis.

This will mark Nikorima’s second World Cup participation after playing two pool games at five-eighth and coming off the bench in the 2017 quarterfinal against Tonga. He was not selected for the 2022 World Cup squad under Michael Maguire but was recalled by Jones for the 2024 Pacific Championships, where he demonstrated versatility by covering key spine roles over three bench appearances.

Warriors player Te Maire Martin provides another standoff option. Although known as a strong defender, Martin’s kicking game is considered less refined than Nikorima’s, who also excels at reading space on the field.

Jones’ projected starting lineup for the October 15 opener against Australia in Sydney seems largely settled, assuming player fitness. Nikorima is expected to partner Melbourne Storm's Jahrome Hughes in the halves, backed up by a back five comprising Ponga, goal-kicker Jamayne Isaako, McLean, Matt Timoko, and Ronaldo Mulitalo.

In the forward pack, Fisher-Harris is set to start at prop alongside a rotation of Whyte, Moses Leota, Joseph Tapine, or Xavier Willison. Whyte, rated by some Australian commentators as the premier forward in the NRL, is likely to see significant playing time. Tapine, captain of the Canberra Raiders and a reliable partner to Fisher-Harris, could fill the loose forward spot, though Clark, recognized as the Dally M Lock of the Year for the past two seasons, remains the favored choice.

At hooker, Jeremy Marshall-King appears to be first choice. However, Phoenix Crossland’s four-match suspension may prompt Jones to recall Brandon Smith, who was last capped in 2022, to the interchange bench. Alternatively, if Crossland remains in the squad with the intention of fielding him later in the tournament, Martin or Nikorima could cover the hooker role to allow flexibility between halves positions.

Coach Stacey Jones faces some complex decisions, but the squad’s overall strength positions the Kiwis as serious contenders at the World Cup.