By James Rowe 3 years ago

The Sydney Roosters have officially sacked Jayden Nikorima, after the young star failed a second drugs test.

A Roosters spokesperson confirmed to Nine that the club had released the 21-year-old utility.

He is now reportedly on the lookout for a new club to call home, although wherever he ends up, he faces a 12-week suspension before lacing up a boot again.

That suspension will likely apply even if Nikorima ends up in the English Super League, as was the case for Ben Barba when he signed with St Helens after departing Cronulla following a similar drugs case.

Nikorima played seven first grade games for the Roosters since joining the Bondi club ahead of the 2016 season and had one year to go on a deal said to be worth $370,000 a season – a number that’s sure to shrink for his next deal.

His departure gives the Roosters further salary cap space after seeing Mitchell Pearce released last month.

However, it also leaves the club short of options in the halves.

Regardless, the Chooks are still considered favourites to win the NRL premiership in season 2018, with bookmakers Neds paying $5.50 for Trent Robinson’s side to lift the Provan-Summons Trophy.

They are also favourites to win a fourth minor premiership in six seasons, with Neds listing them at $4.75 to finish the regular season atop the table.

In terms of where Nikorima will next call home, speculation is rife he will head back to the club where his young career started, the Brisbane Broncos.

Nikorima’s brother, Kodi, established himself in Wayne Bennett’s side in 2017, with Neds listing the Kiwi international a $101 chance to take out next year’s Dally M Medal.

This content brought to you by Neds, odds correct at time of publication