Melbourne Storm has farewelled halfback player Jayden Nikorima following the conclusion of the 2023 campaign.
Nikorima joined Storm ahead of the 2022 pre-season after six years with the Sydney Roosters. Fans didn’t have to wait long to see his potential, with Nikorima making his NRL debut in Round 1 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2016.
The 27-year-old became player no. 223 for Storm in Round 16 of the 2022 season, a number Nikorima will cherish forever.
“Number 223 means so much to me, being able to represent the club has made me a better person both on and off the field. I will take this number not just throughout my playing career but for the rest of my life,” Nikorima said.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time at the club, I’m disappointed I didn’t get more opportunity, but Storm took a chance on me when no one else did.
Being involved in such a club known for its elite standards and success has essentially opened the doors to me for other opportunities and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
“To have the opportunity to learn off some of the best leaders like Welchy [Christian Welch] and players in the competition like Cam Munster and Harry Grant has helped me grow so much as a person .. I’m also a family man now so being involved in the community work that I do has really helped me as a person.”
Melbourne Storm General Manager Football, Frank Ponissi, thanked Nikorima for his contribution.
“Jayden continued to give himself the best possible opportunity at the club through his commitment to training and through the community,” Ponissi said.
We’ve watched him develop as a player and as a person and he was very well respected among his teammates. He gave a lot of his energy towards bettering the community and helping young players pursue their dreams which if reflective of the person he is.
“We wish Jayden, his partner Christa and son Mali, the very best for their futures.”
