Broncos not prepared to guarantee Nikorima's future beyond 2020

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has detailed how halfback Kodi Nikorima has been offered "a substantial deal for four years" with the Warriors and that Brisbane was not prepared to guarantee his future beyond next season.

Nikorima's move to the Warriors is expected to be announced in the coming days.

Seibold was asked at his weekly press conference whether he had a conversation with Nikorima where he told him he wouldn't be the starting half next year.

"Everyone knows the Warriors have been sniffing around for ages… and Kodi had a conversation with me last week, a private conversation. Essentially Kodi had an option in his favour for 2020 and he wanted to see what was out there," Seibold said.

"We could only guarantee 2020. We wanted to look at our options going forward as every club does.

"From our point of view we don't want Kodi to go. He has taken a couple of days to consider his options. The Warriors have offered him a substantial deal for four years and Kodi has got a young family to consider and has a  taken a couple of days [off] to go through that process.We will revisit that after tomorrow night's game."

Nikorima will not play against South Sydney on Thursday night and Seibold said sitting out the game was a "welfare" issue.

"He has a lot to consider at the moment. He has been at this club since he was 12 years of age, so it is not a decision that comes lightly for him," he said.

"Kodi thought it was best for him not to play this week and I fully supported that. There are no ducks and drakes. You saw how he went off with a cork last week [at training] and has pulled up really sore again.

"On a five-day turnaround and with a big decision hanging over his head it is not the right thing to do from a welfare point of view to play him tomorrow night."

Seibold also addressed speculation that star centre James Roberts was in the sights of South Sydney.

"Jimmy has not come to see me. He is under contract for next year and it is not like Kodi's situation where there is an option in his favour," Seibold said.

"Clubs shouldn't be talking to Jimmy, if they are, but I imagine that is just media talk.

"He is under contract for the next year and a bit and until someone tells me otherwise that is what I expect him to see out."

Nikorima's absence has opened the door for 18-year-old half Tom Dearden to make his debut against the Rabbitohs.

"It is a great occasion for Tom to make his debut as an 18-year-old kid. I have chosen him because I think he is ready to play," Seibold said.

"Not only did I think deeply about it, I also consulted Darren Lockyer who is on our board, my three assistant coaches and Darius Boyd as well. To a man they were unanimous in the decision to play Tom.”

The coach also explained why Dearden had edged out former Roosters half Sean O'Sullivan.

"I am pretty strong on having a depth chart and players either go up the depth chart or down the depth chart. I've been really transparent with Sean and he knows where he sits on the depth chart," he said.

The circumstances surrounding Seibold's arrival at the Broncos as coach and the exit of former coach Wayne Bennett, now at the Rabbitohs, has dominated the media landscape for the past week.

"I don't want to dwell on any negatives or what has happened in the past. I just think it is a fantastic week for our game and I'd imagine there is great hype about the game," Seibold said.

"Souths have won six from seven and are playing great football and we go there after a much better performance against the Sharks.

"My last year [as a player at Brisbane] was 1995 and I did learn a lot. 

"I wish Wayne all the best and there is no negativity in my mind around Wayne. What he did at this club was second to none and he leaves a legacy wherever he has been.

"I can't compare myself to what he has done and I never would."