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Kodi Nikorima at Souths training on Monday.Credit:South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Warriors were initially open to a swap deal with Souths,with Siliva Havili,Jacob Host and Mark Nicholls all on their radar,only for Souths to shoot down any early exit for the trio.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George quipped to Souths officials he would happily entertain Cameron Murray in exchange for Nikorima,only to release the 28-year-old playmaker with no strings attached.

Nikorima worked with Demetriou at the Broncos,along with back-rower Jai Arrow,while he played with Taane Milne when the centre was at the Warriors.

Demetriou confirmed Nikorima could yet spend time at fullback on Saturday as Blake Taaffe missed training because of the flu.

“Kodi will definitely play this week,we’ve got some decisions in and around availability,but at this stage he’ll probably be our No. 14,” Demetriou told theHerald.

“Blake is off crook today. The last few weeks we haven’t been able to get through a captain’s run without losing players.

“And we rested Lachie Ilias today,he’s nine games into his career,he’s been outstanding for us,but by giving him until Wednesday off,he’ll have five days rest which he will benefit from.

“Kodi can play that utility role. He loves playing No.7,but he can also play fullback. What I will say is he won’t be playing No.9 while he’s here. I see his value as an attacking weapon,but more in the six,seven and one role.

Deep in conversation with Cody Walker.Credit:South Sydney Rabbitohs

“I think Kodi’s signing will be great for Lachie and our other Cody[Walker],just to have another voice and more experience.

“People forget Kodi captained the Maori All Stars to a win[at the start of the year],he’s a Kiwi international and played in grand finals and big games. I’m excited to have him here.”

Demetriou said talks started to intensify once it became clear Anthony Milford would not be heading to Souths,and Nikorima was struggling for game time at the Warriors. He has not played since round six.

Nikorima has been heavily linked to Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins for next year,but Demetriou and Souths are happy to have him on board now in a bid to emulate the same role Benji Marshall played last year.

Even Ilias told theHerald over the weekend how the arrival of Nikorima would have everyone on their toes and be a good thing for the side which has a 4-5 win-loss record.

Within hours of Souths confirming Nikorima’s signature,the Warriors confirmed the immediate arrival of Freddy Lussick and Ronald Volkman from the Sydney Roosters.

As Nikorima plays his first game for Souths,centre Campbell Graham celebrates 100 for his junior club,and can still remember his debut when plucked out of high school on game day by then coach Michael Maguire.

Graham was studying for a PE exam ahead of the HSC trials,and to this day has never bothered to check his actual results for his Year 12 studies.

“I’m extremely grateful for the 100 opportunities I’ve had at this club,and my goal is to play another 100 games for this club - Souths is where I want to be and stay,” said Graham,whose nickname was “Herb” on debut,but since changed to “Stretch”.

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