Kodi Nikorima’s Wife Criticizes NRL’s Decision to Relocate Game Amid Cyclone Threat
The wife of Dolphins player Kodi Nikorima has voiced her frustration over the NRL’s decision to relocate matches rather than postpone them due to Cyclone Alfred, highlighting the impact on players’ families.
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has returned to Brisbane from Sydney as the league faces criticism for proceeding with games this weekend despite the severe weather threat. While the AFL opted to postpone its Brisbane and Gold Coast matches, the NRL instead relocated the Dolphins vs. Rabbitohs clash from Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium to CommBank Stadium in Sydney. This means the game will still take place, but nearly 900km away from its original location.
Initially, the move appeared to be a practical solution, but Kodi Nikorima’s wife, Bree, was quick to point out its consequences for families. She is six months pregnant and now faces the cyclone alone with their two young children.
“Because a game of football is THAT IMPORTANT,” she wrote on Instagram. “Leaving the families behind to ride out the direct line of a cyclone alone. Some with no support at all. I’m six months pregnant with two young kids in an area that can flood—disgusting. Do better, NRL.”
Broncos Take Action to Support Families
In addition to the Dolphins, the Brisbane Broncos have also traveled interstate for their match against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium, leaving their families to deal with the impending storm. In response, Broncos CEO Donaghy flew back to Brisbane to ensure the safety of staff and players’ families, as 26,000 homes are at risk of flooding.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire praised the club’s proactive approach, stating: “Our chief executive flew down last night and turned around straight away to make sure everyone is safe while the team is here. They are reaching out to the partners and wives to ensure they are supported through this situation. Now it’s just a waiting game, but there is a lot of communication between the families.”
Lachie Neale: “I Wouldn’t Have Left My Family”
AFL star Lachie Neale weighed in on the situation, stating on Fox Footy that he would have refused to leave his wife and children in Brisbane had his game been moved to Victoria.
“I wouldn’t have played. I would have stayed with Jules and the kids unless they were willing to fly families out too, which might not have been possible on such short notice. If they could have sorted accommodation and looked after the dog, then I would have considered it. But I wouldn’t have left my wife here with a three-year-old daughter and an 11-week-old baby.”
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the league’s commitment to keeping families together during the crisis: “We want to minimize travel in and out of Queensland right now. Players want to be home with their families and ensuring their houses are safe.”
Debate Over NRL’s Decision to Relocate Rather Than Reschedule
NRL journalist David Riccio defended the league’s stance, arguing on SEN radio that “the show must go on.” However, broadcasters Gerard Whateley and Matt White criticized the decision, suggesting it was inhumane to force players to leave their families in such a dangerous situation.
The NRL faced logistical challenges in rescheduling the Dolphins-Rabbitohs match. League officials had just returned from Las Vegas on Tuesday and had to make a quick decision. While the AFL could easily postpone its games due to shared bye rounds, the NRL did not have that flexibility. Additionally, Channel 9, which heavily relies on the Dolphins for strong viewership in Queensland, likely pushed for the game to proceed as scheduled.
It remains unclear whether delaying the game to Sunday was ever considered, as only one match is currently set for that day in Round 1. However, the NRL’s handling of the situation has sparked widespread debate over player welfare and the league’s priorities in extreme circumstances.
