Brisbane Broncos tie up Ben Hunt replacement

THE Broncos have secured their replacement for departing halfback Ben Hunt by re-signing Kodi Nikorima for a further three seasons.

Nikorima won an upgraded deal with the Broncos that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2020.

Nikorima was expected to activate a one-year option in his current contract to stay at the Broncos next year.

However, he negotiated a new deal for a further two years to cement his long-term future.

With Hunt joining the Dragons next season, the Broncos were desperate to secure the Kiwi international and they got their man.

"I see myself as a half and that's where I want to play," he said yesterday.

"(Wayne Bennett) just said there's an opportunity here ... and that pretty much sold it for me.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking elsewhere, but in saying that, my number one priority was to stay at the club."

Nikorima was dropped for last Saturday's clash with Newcastle, but could earn a recall for Thursday's match against the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.

The retention of Nikorima is a boost for the Broncos after Newcastle snared Tautau Moga and Herman Ese'ese with lucrative deals last week.