Blessing in disguise?

[2026]

Pearce, Nikorima, Maubs, Hastings

We all know Robbo rates Pearce and Niko looks to be special.

Hastings could become the weakest link and find himself playing for Wyong.

Pearce, Nikorima halves pairing with Maubs bench utility once Cordner returns.

Nikorima can also goalkick.

[Guest]

I have to agree with Coggy.

Anyone who understands footy could see that Nikorima has that something Pearce doesn't.

Im very excited by our young trio of Mitchell, Nikorima and Hastings.I would prefer Nikorima made his NRL first grade debut before we call him better than FREDDY. He may be better than Pearce though ☺

[HBK]

Nikorima
Pearce

Hastings
Pearce

Nikorima
Hastings

I'd be ok with either of those 3 pairings. Will be disappointed for whoever misses out though

[Johnny.]

Im very excited by our young trio of Mitchell, Nikorima and Hastings.I would prefer Nikorima made his NRL first grade debut before we call him better than FREDDY. He may be better than Pearce though ☺

Homer's interpretation of Mitch's night out.

[Roosterfarian]

#prematureejaculation

More like premature adjudication.

[The Brain]

I have no doubt Nikodrama has that some thing special -smart player with loads of talent .He will work out for us .I think coach probably wants him more off the bench or swap with the halves to preserve him for long term because he will cop some punishment in the NRL and needs to brush up on his tackling technique.
From hearing Robinson statement this morning he said Niko and Latrell will start in our first game -I hope so .
O sully is sharp man some good kids coming through ......Still I would like to see Meehan return but is my hopes dashed in that depar? heard is old man is now employed by the Manlly club ... security advisor or some thing.

[Steakface]

I don't think it's in disguise but Pearce's efforts with the puppy has opened the door for us to finally get a decent half/5/8. Nikorema is our savior and he will prove to be our best pivot since Freddy. It's obvious that Hastings is the goods and Nikorema's performance has me saying Maloney who. Pearce can stay in Thailand as far as I'm concerned.

*fap fap fap*

Jesus Ray.

He is yet to play first grade.

St. Helen's is the equivalent of playing a bog standard reserve grade team, and still we could only orchestrate 38 points which is not a notable feat. It's like if our FG team was playing the Newtown Jets and then gushing over on field performances - totally counterproductive and meaningless.

The Rabbitohs beat them 38 - 0 in the WCC last year and look how their season panned out? Where are your accolades for Luke Keary in that win?

[eddie]

No doubt the Pearce apologists will all come out but I could see that Pearce was all hype right from the beginning so to finally have a half combination as good as we have is fantastic.

Don't be so mean to poor little junior.
Wait till he gets more first grade experience and you'll see how good he is.

[Double]

Here's a quick list of people that allegedly (well, according to some on this site) understand footy but are also guilty of over-hyping Jayden Nikorima;

The venerable Cyril Connell, talent scout extrordinair who discovered Kodi & Jaiden at age 12 & 10.

Wayne Bennett who contracted the pair to the Broncos back in 2009.

Craig Bellamy, credited for creating and developing the concept of 'the spine" in RL who was outgunned by Robbo in final contract negotiations for his signature.

Trent Robinson himself, whose NRL coaching record and administration here at the Roosters speaks for itself.

[Ray Stehr]

Im very excited by our young trio of Mitchell, Nikorima and Hastings.I would prefer Nikorima made his NRL first grade debut before we call him better than FREDDY. He may be better than Pearce though ☺

Who said he was better than Freddy? I certainly didn't. Anyone who can't see that Nikorema is a MUCH more dangerous player than Pearce has NFI, but wait Pearce can kick a ball.

[Ray Stehr]

*fap fap fap*

Jesus Ray.

He is yet to play first grade.

St. Helen's is the equivalent of playing a bog standard reserve grade team, and still we could only orchestrate 38 points which is not a notable feat. It's like if our FG team was playing the Newtown Jets and then gushing over on field performances - totally counterproductive and meaningless.

The Rabbitohs beat them 38 - 0 in the WCC last year and look how their season panned out? Where are your accolades for Luke Keary in that win?

39-0 and we shall see If I'm going off early, one thing I know is that Pearce well and truly underwhelms me and he has so since 2007 when everyone was blowing their load over him. I'm excited that we finally have someone in the halves who'll have the opposition 2nd guessing themselves everytime he gets the ball in the opposing 25 as opposed to Pearce who makes the wrong play 8 times out of 10.

[Half time]

I have no doubt Nikodrama has that some thing special -smart player with loads of talent .He will work out for us .I think coach probably wants him more off the bench or swap with the halves to preserve him for long term because he will cop some punishment in the NRL and needs to brush up on his tackling technique.
From hearing Robinson statement this morning he said Niko and Latrell will start in our first game -I hope so .
O sully is sharp man some good kids coming through ......Still I would like to see Meehan return but is my hopes dashed in that depar? heard is old man is now employed by the Manlly club ... security advisor or some thing.

You will get your wish, Meehan will be back

[ism22]

Calling him the best half we've had since Brad "Freddy" Fittler is utterly ridiculous and all of you who going overboard with excitement around the young man will be the first crucify him once he goes through a tough period.

The best half since Todd Carney maybe?

[theGman]

Im very excited by our young trio of Mitchell, Nikorima and Hastings.I would prefer Nikorima made his NRL first grade debut before we call him better than FREDDY. He may be better than Pearce though ☺

Was pleasing to see the youngsters embracing at the end of the game. Hastings must have been congratulating them on their debut and extending a few special words. If the planets align and this trio continue to develop and produce, i'll be a proud coq

[John Corey]

Look forward to seeing Nik against better opposition. But as they say, you can only beat what they put in front of you. He looked very impressive and that break he made actually reminded me of Maloney. Very quick over 30 metres.

I wouldn't give up on Pearce and I don't think Robbo has either. Pearces problem is he is a good halfback. He is not great like some want him to be. He is a steady player who at Club level will do a good job.

Nik appears to have that X factor about him. Which is probably why Bennett tried so hard to keep him.

I saw that smile too Raymond.. But maybe it was because Robbo knows what a nice selection headache he will have if Pearce returns.
There is no doubt that Nikorima belongs in FG.