Harris-Tavita expects Nikorima to take spot but help long term

Warriors rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita accepts that the signing of Kodi Nikorima will likely signal an end to his immediate future in first-grade.

Harris-Tavita hasn't missed a game since making his debut against the Gold Coast in round four but will likely be dropped for the Warriors' Magic Round clash with St George Illawarra so Nikorima can partner Blake Green in the halves.

Nikorima signed with the Warriors through until the end of 2021 last Friday after securing an immediate release from his contract with the Brisbane Broncos.

Speaking after the Warriors' 36-18 home loss to Newcastle on Sunday, Harris-Tavita appeared at peace with the situation.

"I always knew they were looking at getting another half," Harris-Tavita said.

"I think they just wanted to bring in a bit more experience. I will probably be heading back to New South Wales [Canterbury] Cup, but I'm just going to try and keep playing good footy."

Harris-Tavita became the Warriors' chief playmaker by default in just his second NRL game. A groin injury which kept Green on the sidelines resulted in the 20-year-old partnering Peta Hiku and Tohu Harris in the halves.

Despite the expected initial setback, Harris-Tavita said the arrival of Nikorima should bring long-term benefits to his game.

"It was a goal of mine to play NRL [this year] but I didn't think it would come so soon," Harris-Tavita said.

"Kodi is a great player ... he's an international half, so I am learning off one of the best halves in New Zealand. I can only get better from that."

Meanwhile, Green moved to lower expectations on Nikorima ahead of his likely club debut against the Dragons on Saturday.

The loss to Newcastle saw the Warriors equal their worst-ever record through the opening eight games of a season, with just two wins to their name.

"It's a great signing for the club… [but] he's certainly not going to come and be the saviour," Green said of Nikorima.

"We're in a tough position, we got ourselves in this position and we have just got to work hard to get our way out.

"Over the next month, there is going to be the same type of [tough] contests every week for us."