Broncos coach Anthony Seibold admits he's been impressed with Kodi Nikorima's resurgent form with the Warriors since the halfback left Brisbane earlier this month.
After a shaky start to the season at the Broncos, Nikorima was released by the club, and the Warriors immediately signed him on a two-and-a-half year deal.
Saturday's match at Rarotonga Mount Smart Stadium – renamed for for the NRL Indigenous round - will be both the 25-year-old's first in Auckland, and his first against his former club.
Nikorima has made an immediate impact for NZ, making his Warriors debut during the come-from-behind win over the Dragons, before starring in the demolition against the Panthers last week.
Seibold believes Nikorima's new partnership with Blake Green is a massive reason why he's flourishing with his new side.
"I knew Blake would be good for him," said Seibold. "Greeny's job is to get a team around the park, and what that's done has allowed Kodi to play with his eyes up and use his strengths as a runner.
"Having coached Blake at the Storm, I know how good for an organiser he is, and I think Kodi's running game in the last two weeks has been are the forefront of their attack.
"Kodi was well liked and well-loved, so it was like a relationship break-up. The boys are excited to play him and meet up afterwards."
The Warriors head into the match on a two-game win streak, while the Broncos beat the Roosters in their last meeting.
Both teams have four wins this season, so a victory will be crucial in the race for the top eight.
"We've won three of our last four games, but the Warriors have also been good in the last two week," Seibold added.
"They've been great on both sides of the ball, so we know it's going to be a tough challenge."
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