Tatus
Not-So-Great White
Morris is ticking all the boxes on the list of what I want in a Coach.From Sporting News. Morris commenting on Nikora’s demotion.
https://www.sportingnews.com/au/lea...kora-wayne-bennett/163m622tw440t1v7ewd0f5p60c
MORRIS: BRITON NIKORA NOT FAR OFF SHARKS’ TOP 17
Kiwi Test backrower Briton Nikora has a fight ahead of him, but all is not lost. After a breakout 2019, which saw him form a devastating partnership with Sharks half Shaun Johnson, nab a maiden Test jersey and be named joint-Sharks Rooke of the Year, Nikora’s 2020 has failed to reach those lofty heights.
Nikora has appeared in 10 games this year, crossing for three tries, but averaging only 74 running metres. However, John Morris’ message to the young backrower is simple: “Keep working hard,” Morris said Friday.
Nikora’s dip in form was all the opening Sifa Talakai needed. As Nikora missed the local derby against St George, serving a one-match suspension for a shoulder charge, Talakai ran rampant in his first 80-minute performance of the season, notching up 150 metres and bending the line at will.
Since then his 80-minute performances have returned 204 metres against the Broncos and 178 metres against the Eels and mother nature.
“The form of Sifa Talakai has probably pushed Briton out and that’s all it is,” Morris said. “I just can’t not have [Sifa] out there playing for 80 minutes. Sifa has forced his way in and Briton knows there are a couple of areas that he needs to work on but he’s not far off.”
“I expect him to be back [in the 17] in the next week or two.”
Someone might think that Morris would show some loyalty to Nikora because he brought him through the grades, but he’s been dumped for a guy who’s been at the club for no time at all. Loyalty is great, but picking players based on what they bring to the team is even better
Would imagine Nikora has been fed the right idea for what he needs to do to get back in the team, and when he does come back into the team, he’ll be a lot better than he was prior.