"I'm here to put this jersey in a better place": Nikora's Maroons pride is the real deal

Some individuals have questioned Briton Nikora's involvement with the Queensland camp.

The Cronulla Sharks forward has a straightforward answer: observe his performance on the field.

Nikora is one of the key beneficiaries of the recent eligibility rule changes that transformed the State of Origin scene this season.

Originally from New Zealand, the 28-year-old relocated to Queensland during his primary school years, considering that as the beginning of his journey.

He is joined by Sharks teammate Addin Fonua-Blake, Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley, and Penrith Panthers outside back Casey McLean in a new core of debutants able to participate due to the new eligibility rules established this year.

"It's sunk in a little bit now that I've been here for a day, and I can't wait to get out there with the boys," Nikora expressed to the media on Tuesday.

"When I made my debut in 2019, things sort of came quick at me with representing New Zealand. Once you did that, you couldn't do both - I thought that dream was far gone."

"Once they changed the rules and I could see an opportunity there, and once Billy gave me that call, I took with both hands, and I'm just over the moon."

With 168 first-grade matches for the Sharks, alongside 15 games for the New Zealand Kiwis and five for the Maori All Stars, Nikora cherishes his heritage and proudly wears the Maroons jersey.