Should the Dolphins have fought harder to keep Nikorima?

Following a great showing in the Dolphins' win against the Roosters, Jimmy Smith and Greg Alexander have pondered how the club has let Kodi Nikorima walk out the door at the end of this season.

Across the last two seasons, the Redcliffe-based side have been on the precipice of jumping into the eight but have fallen short.

But in 2026, Kristain Woolf's men have turned themselves into premiership contenders, having booked themselves a finals berth for the first time and doing so by securing a double chance with a top four finish following their win over Sydney on Saturday.

Within that side, the New Zealand representative has played his part in that success, leading his side for try assists.

That form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Nikorima having signed a three-year deal with St. George Illawarra which will see him partner Luke Metcalf in a new-look halves combination for 2027.

And following a starring role in the Dolphins’ 26-12 win against the Roosters with two try assists, it left Smith with only one question.

“How and why the hell did the Dolphins let Kodi Nikorima go?” he asked on SEN’s Kick Off.

Alexander agreed, admitting he is wondering why the club didn’t try harder to keep him on the books, having instead signed English international George Williams prior to Nikorima’s decision.

“He was their best player in the first half,” Alexander said.

“Like his ball playing and he's always been a great runner, but his ability to just hold the defence up, it was on show on Saturday.

“And you're thinking, wow, George Williams, seriously?

“Nikorima, although 32, has lost no speed and is a better player now than he ever has been."

And with halves able to play for far longer than they used to, it could see him only get better.

“And remember, Cody Walker's 36, Daly Cherry Evans, 37,” Smith added.

“So, Kodi Nikorima, his best footy might continue to be in front of him.”

The Dolphins will look to finish the regular season on a win.

They’ll play the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday night.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match from 5pm AEST across our radio network and on the SEN app, with kick-off taking place at 6pm.