LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, the fullback for the New Zealand Warriors, has been confirmed to wear the #1 jersey for the New Zealand Kiwis in their opening Pacific Championships match against Toa Samoa.
This will be Nicoll-Klokstad's eighth Test in the Kiwi jersey, and his second time starting at fullback.
Previously, he played in the centres for the Kiwis, but was used as a fullback against Jamaica in the Rugby League World Cup last year.
Nicoll-Klokstad, who is 28 years old and has played 96 NRL games, had a standout NRL season with the NZ Warriors.
He returned to the club in 2023 and featured in 23 out of 27 matches.
During the season, he scored seven tries and provided eight try assists.
He also made 98 tackle breaks and averaged 189 metres per game, ranking among the top players in these categories.
With Nicoll-Klokstad at fullback, Joseph Manu, the Golden Boot winner, will move back into the centres for the Kiwis.
The team lineup for this match includes four debutants, adding excitement to the game.
The match will take place at Eden Park with a kick-off time of 6.00pm.
Rugby League fans will be eagerly anticipating Nicoll-Klokstad's performance in his new role as the Kiwi fullback.