Broncos utility Jayden Nikorima is not only excited by what a move to the Sydney Roosters will do for his football next season, it also puts him in prime position to pursue his other dream of opening his own cafe.
Nikorima was on Monday named on the bench in the Holden Cup Team of the Year not only for his deeds on the field that included Junior Kangaroos and Queensland under-20s representation but completing a Certificate IV in Frontline Management.
The educational accomplishments of the game's brightest young players are almost as impressive as their performances on the field with such diverse pursuits as studies in Applied Finance, Education and Entrepreneurship and Innovation along with apprentice carpenters and plumbers.
In his first year in the under-20s competition last season Nikorima studied Sports Science but said a desire to one day own his own business saw him take up Frontline Management, a two-year course that he completed in six months.
"At first I didn't really know what it was and got chucked into the deep end a bit but I really want to learn about money and how to own my own business and get to that stage," Nikorima told NRL.com.
"It was a first step in teaching me how to build myself for the future whether that's housing or owning my own business, how to save money and all that kind of stuff.
"My main thing is I want to own my own business. At first I wanted to open up a coffee shop but maybe a bar. I've always wanted to own my own bar.
"Me and a mate from school have spoken about it. First we're going to open up a coffee shop and then open up a bar or a nightclub."
Nikorima was an integral figure in taking the Broncos to a top-four finish at the end of the regular season but had his year cut short by a shoulder injury while playing for Queensland in the under-20s Origin match in July.
Not due to turn 19 until next month, Nikorima said applying himself to his studies at the start of the year was a contributing factor in his excellent form prior to being injured.
"Last year was a bit tough because I got chucked up into first grade and mixing that with full-time training and study and uni, I got a bit caught up and was missing classes so it was a bit of a reality check last year," Nikorima said.
"This year I got some help on time management from Warren Birks and all the staff at the Broncs to be able to sort myself out a bit.
"It just keeps you busy and stops you from thinking about footy too much.
"It helped me a lot, coming in straight out of school. I wasn't working or anything like that and my footy at the start of the year was a bit down.
"Then I started studying and working a little bit and once your mind goes off footy, when you are there you really appreciate it more and when you play your better footy."
As he continues rehabilitation for his shoulder injury Nikorima said he won't be able to participate in contact sessions at the Roosters until December and knows he has a tough assignment to break into the first grade squad that has claimed three minor premierships under coach Trent Robinson.
"Once I signed the papers I was stress-free and felt like the world was off my shoulders," Nikorima said of his decision to leave the Broncos and big brother Kodi.
"Really looking forward to moving to the Roosters and living away from home and seeing what life's about without my family and stuff.
"My preferred position is five-eighth but I'll have to work hard for that. Anywhere on the field I'll be happy with.
"Jackson Hastings is going real good at the moment and is deserving of the spot there so he's the front-line runner there."