Nicoll-Klokstad back for Warriors, Capewell & Metcalf ruled out against Rabbitohs

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been named to make his first appearance of the 2024 NRL season, listed to start at fullback against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday evening.

Nicoll-Klokstad, 28, has been absent after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season and has seen both Taine Tuaupiki and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck deputise in the No 1 jersey in his place.

But even after an impressive display at fullback against the Newcastle Knights by Tuivasa-Sheck, Nicoll-Klokstad has regained his spot at fullback, with the former moving back into the centres.

However, the Warriors will be without three first-team regulars, after a spate of injuries.

Luke Metcalf is out for the foreseeable future after suffering a broken tibia in last weekend’s victory over the Knights. The 25-year-old left the field after just nine minutes of the 20-12 win, after a tackle by Tyson Frizell. Metcalf has undergone surgery on the fracture, with his return listed as “late season”.

Te Maire Martin comes into the side for his first appearance of the year at No 6, while Chanel Harris-Tavita remains on an extended bench in a utility role.

New arrival Kurt Capewell, 30, put in a game-high 48 tackles in last weekend’s victory, but has been withdrawn from facing the Rabbitohs through the NRL’s concussion protocols.

Dylan Walker remains absent after suffering an ankle injury before the victory over the Canberra Raiders in Christchurch.

Marata Niukore takes Capewell’s place in the starting side, while Jazz Tevaga covers Walker on the interchange bench.

Warriors team to face South Sydney Rabbitohs (Kickoff 5pm Saturday at Accor Stadium, Sydney)
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1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rocco Berry
4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Marcelo Montoya
6. Te Maire Martin
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Jackson Ford
12. Marata Niukore
13. Tohu Harris (captain)

Interchange

14. Freddy Lussick
15. Tom Ale
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Jazz Tevaga

Reserves

18. Tom Ale
20. Jacob Laban
21. Chanel Harris-Tavita
22. Edward Kosi
23. Ali Leiataua