Selwyn Cobbo arrives at Dolphins from the Brisbane Broncos

“We have Hammer [Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow] and Herbie [Farnworth], then you throw in someone like Selwyn Cobbo, there’s going to be strike all over the park.”

Cobbo will join a group plotting their long-term future, with a host of rising stars tasting NRL training standards for the first time. Among them is teenage sensation Adaquix Luke, the son of former South Sydney and New Zealand hooker Issac Luke.

“He’s an exciting young talent, he’s only 17 or 18, and he actually reminds me a bit of Reece Walsh,” Nikorima said.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but he’s got the goods.”

Nikorima enters his 13th preseason fighting for his future as he comes off contract at the end of 2026.

Loading

The Dolphins are expected to welcome England Test star and former Canberra Raiders halfback George Williams into the fold in 2027.

Star No.7 Isaiya Katoa and Nikorima ignited the game’s most lethal attack in 2025, scoring the most points in the competition (721) despite missing the finals.

Katoa finished top five in the competition for try assists (23), linebreak assists (21), linebreak involvements (24), kick metres (10,493) and line engagements (246).

While Nikorima turns 32 in April, he insisted he still had plenty more to give in the NRL.

“We want to be one of the best halves pairings in the game and that starts here on the training paddock,” Nikorima said.

“I still believe I can go to another level.”