📰 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad rejects overseas offers to remain with Warriors

By Ben Francis

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad says it was an “easy decision” to knock back a lucrative overseas deal to re-sign with the Warriors until the end of the 2027 NRL season.

Nicoll-Klokstad was being chased by clubs in the English Super League – particularly the Perpignan-based Catalans Dragons – but has opted to remain with the Warriors for another two years.

The London Broncos, who play in England’s second-tier championship, were also understood to be in the mix.

But the 29-year-old is delighted to have put pen to paper and can now focus on helping the Warriors build on their impressive start to the season, where they sit fourth with four wins and two defeats after seven rounds.

“This club means so much to me, man,” said Nicoll-Klokstad. “When I came back to the club, all I wanted to do was be here for the rest of my career.

“There’s an interview that I did across at the other tunnel, talking about how I wanted to be here for life and be that Simon Mannering of the club.

“He was here when I was just coming through and I was lucky enough to rub shoulders with him and Boys like that are who you aspire to be.”

Nicoll-Klokstad made his NRL debut with the Warriors in 2017, playing seven matches before being snapped up by the Canberra Raiders ahead where he developed into one of the competition’s elite fullbacks.

He went on to play 66 games, including the 2019 NRL grand final. He returned to the Warriors in 2023 and played a key role in their run to the semifinals.

In total, he’s played 118 NRL games, scoring 43 tries, with 13 tests for the Kiwis and three for the Cook Islands.

He admits family was the key factor for staying put.

“It was hard being at those crossroads and potentially seeing yourself in a different jersey,” Nicoll-Klokstad said. ”It didn’t sit right.

“Even thinking about it, it’s waiting me out a little bit, so I’m glad that we’re able to come to a conclusion and put that, put that stuff behind us.

“I love being coached under Webby [Warriors coach Andrew Webster] and like I said to him, I feel like I’ve played my best footy under, under Webby and I’ve enjoyed my footy since being back at the Warriors.”

Webster says he was delighted to retain Nicoll-Klokstad.

“Keeping Charnze means so much to us,” said Webster. “He plays such a huge part at our club, and we didn’t want him going anywhere else.

“The energy he brings every training session, every game and around the club is unbelievable. He’s all heart and soul, and we love him.”

Nicoll-Klokstad missed the Warriors’ 20-18 golden point win over the Brisbane Broncos last weekend due to a head knock, but has been named to return in Friday’s Anzac Day clash against the Newcastle Knights in Christchurch.

Nicoll-Klokstad says he’s excited to get back on the field, but is wary of the wounded Knights who are on a four-game losing streak.

“They’re going to be hungry,” said Nicoll-Klokstad.

“Just like us when, when we had a game like that [against the Storm], all you want to do is get back on the pitch and, and right your wrongs and that’ll be no different for them on Friday.

“It’s a short turnaround, and we’re going to be expecting them to come for grounds blazing.”

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission