No bad blood for Nikorima in first clash with ex-teammates

Former Broncos playmaker Kodi Nikorima says there's no hard feelings toward his old club as he prepares to face his ex-teammates for the first time on Saturday night in Auckland.

Both clubs have experienced back-to-back wins since Nikorima's departure from Red Hill - an early indication the move was a positive result for all parties.

However those relationships will be cast aside for the vital encounter at Mt Smart Stadium, with just eight differential points splitting the sides.

Both teams would love to head into the bye on a three-match winning streak.

"There's no animosity there. I left on pretty good terms, and yeah, that's all I can say about that," Nikorima said of his Broncos exit.

"I know it'll be a big game. Just the occasion. I get to see my old teammates and play against them, and hopefully I can get one up on them.

"It will feel weird, especially when I run out there knowing the opposition team. But in saying that, I'm just going to treat it like another game. They're the opposition and I'll be doing everything I can to win."

Nikorima's switch to the Warriors has been seamless, with his combination alongside Blake Green clicking immediately as he focuses on a second receiver role compared to his time at the Broncos alongside Anthony Milford.

"I give a lot of credit to Blake for helping me with that transition," Nikorima said.

"When I first got over, I was training and before the Knights game, he came over to me and just said basically what he wanted and what he's going to do for myself.

"He said that I want to free you up and allow you to roam and bring out your running game. It's quite easy when I've got someone that experienced like him, and then I've got players around me who can do special things as well, like Roger.

"It's working so far, but we've still got a lot of improvement in us."

Nikorima said it was no surprise to see rookie halfback Tom Dearden leapfrog others to replace him in the No.7 jersey at the Broncos.

"He's only 18, still got a lot to learn, but the thing with him, he wants to learn and he's always asking questions," he said of his successor.

"I spoke to him in the trial games. He'd come over to me and ask me what I'd do, how I prep for games, and I roomed with him before the Titans game in the trials.

"I wish him all the best. He's a great, young kid and he's got a bright future, that's for sure."