Kodi Nikorima's Brisbane teammates bear no grudges as they come to terms with the prospect that their upbeat halfback may've played his last game for the club.
The 25-year-old was made unavailable for Thursday's clash with South Sydney, with coach Anthony Seibold citing a calf niggle and "some decisions to ponder around his future" as grounds for the week off.
New Zealand Warriors coach Stephen Kearney confirmed to Radio Sport on Tuesday that Nikorima had been in his sights for 2020 and that "anything before then is in the hands of the Broncos and his agent".
Replaced in Thursday's side by 18-year-old Tom Dearden, Nikorima was all but farewelled by Brisbane teammates Darius Boyd and Alex Glenn on Tuesday in a sign Kearney might've secured his man early.
Nikorima would be the second New Zealander to depart Red Hill this season after Jordan Kahu's defection to North Queensland - something not lost on their countryman Glenn.
"I'm asking the same question. It's tough, it's tough," Glenn said with a smile.
"He's one of those people that's always fun to be around, always got jokes to lighten up the mood and have a laugh.
"That vibe, you're always going to be having a good time and on the field he's got that flair out there.
"If he does take off we're going to miss that."
Nikorima, the New Zealand Test No.7, has had his moments but struggled to consistently click alongside five-eighth Anthony Milford since the pair began their partnership last season.
A move across the ditch would land him alongside a noted organisational half in Blake Green.
On the comeback from a groin injury, Green is a proven director at No.6 who would complement Nikorima's running game.
Ahead of his 300th game, Daris Boyd insists he and his teammates won't look poorly on Nikorima if he departs mid-season.
Boyd himself has moved from the Broncos to St George Illawarra and then to Newcastle, before returning to Brisbane.
"It's a funny business (rugby league). At the end of the day you always look after your family," Boyd said.
"The club will look after their best interests and players have to do the same and whatever Kodi decides to do we'll back him 100 per cent."
