Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is among the most accomplished fullbacks in the NRL – but is it time for a changing of the guard at the Warriors?
Boom youngster Taine Tuaupiki is putting the heat on CNK for the No.1 jumper and that shapes as Andrew Webster’s biggest decision coming into the new season.
The move is clearly on the table – Tuaupiki won the fullback spot for three games late last season, forcing Nicoll-Klokstad into the centres.
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The kid went OK – but the Warriors lost two of those games so Webster has a lot to weigh up when it comes to one of the most important positions on the field.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad Getty
The Warriors have retained the nucleus of last year’s squad but have added a player who could prove a sensation.
Former Titans flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira has question marks over his defence but as they say in the movie Moneyball, he ‘gets on base’ – that is he scores tries and scores them from anywhere on the field.
One of the fastest players in the league, he should revel in the classy Warriors backline and get plenty of chances to shine.
Luke Metcalf’s return from knee surgery will be closely watched – the Kiwi outfit looked like they could have won the comp until he went down midway through last season.
The forwards will be much the same as year, with Leeds recruit Morgan Gannon expected to start on the bench and Mitch Barnett expected back from injury.
New Zealand Warriors best 17
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark 14. Demitric Vaimauga 15. Jackson Ford1 6. Marata Niukore 17. Morgan Gannon