Official Briton Nikora

[Tatus]

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.”

Morris is ticking all the boxes on the list of what I want in a Coach.
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.

 

[egg]

Morris is ticking all the boxes on the list of what I want in a Coach.
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.

If you're an opposition half , 2nd rower or centre , defending or coming off your try-line , which Shark 2nd rower would you prefer to see coming at you ?

 

[Super Impose]

If you're an opposition half , 2nd rower or centre , defending or coming off your try-line , which Shark 2nd rower would you prefer to see coming at you ?

Valid point this .

Best scenario for Brit is if Talakai spends some time in the middle during the game .

Although I am not a fan of shuffling around edge back rowers during the game .

 

[CrazyMatt]

I think he got the message guys. Much much better game from him.

 

[puma1355]

Did well today

 

[Thresher]

Did well today

Yep. He was a man possessed.

 

[MMsharks]

talakai has points over this guy

 

[Snaggletooth]

talakai has points over this guy

true, and so does Royce and Toby - but at least Briton stood up today, good on him

 

[HaroldBishop]

So much better tonight

 

[bort]

Much better but still lucky Talakai is such a beast off the bench and more versatile

 

[Gards]

Briton needed to step up and deliver a big game tonight after being selected and he did just that. Scored a try and lots of energy in defense and some nice hits and runs

credit to coach and player

 

[Sir Chadley]

Yep agreed. Was good tonight much better effort and a well deserved try.

 

[Wiz]

Briton needed to step up and deliver a big game tonight after being selected and he did just that. Scored a try and lots of energy in defense and some nice hits and runs

credit to coach and player

Yep, dropping him made him realise he wasn’t that good. Good move and reaction by both

 

[Gumby]

Good game tonight!

 

[vicsharkfan]

Very happy with last nights game, well done Jmo sat him out xtra couple of games hoping to reignite the fire, love the clip across the ears our coach is giving a few players.

 

[Gumby]

His best game since round 6 last year.

 

[Capital_Shark]

Impressed with his bounce back. Credit to Brit & the coaching staff. Player interviews throughout the week said he'd been "training the house down" & ripping in, which they all say but I believe it this time. 32/32 tackles and didn't get lost.

Its great not only cause a good Brit is good for us but it frees Talakai to come off the bench for that rhino punch through the middle or to play a bit wider if we need that.

 

[snowman]

as strange as it sounds, we are better with talakai coming off the bench and brit (playing like that) in the starting side

 

[Blue_Eyes84]

as strange as it sounds, we are better with talakai coming off the bench and brit (playing like that) in the starting side

I definitely agree that Talakai is better coming off the bench. Much more impact.

 

[Sparkles]

Great to see Bomber working with players to get the best out of them. Am pretty confident we're getting a team based on form rather than some weird arbitrary need to blood players or coddle reputations. He had a pretty soft re-entry to the team, but you couldn't have asked more from him.

Anyone know what the go is with his King Kong impersonations? Seems to love standing still and fending off as many defenders as he can. Doesn't try to go anywhere or offload... did it this week and a few times before. Weird!