Andrew McCullough has asked critics to give young pivot Kodi Nikorima time as he works his way into the halfback role left vacant by the injured Ben Hunt.

Veteran Benji Marshall is also on the sidelines meaning Bennett has given Nikorima the responsibility of running the ship.

“You can’t just throw Kodi straight in. Getting the confidence to call the plays will take a bit of time,” McCullough said.

“He just needs to do his job – simple. He scored a good try on the weekend by doing what he does best – run the football.

“There are no outside influences. He’s just got to go out play his football.”

Pressure will mount as speculation grows about where new signing Jack Bird will play in 2018.