Ronaldo Mulitalo's suspension has moved Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to the wing for New Zealand's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Tonga.
Mulitalo received a one-match ban for a high tackle on Fiji's Ronald Philitoga, who was forced from the field.
Though mostly in the centres this tournament, Nicoll-Klokstad has covered the wing for injured Warriors, including Watene-Zelezniak.
He will face close friend Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, a former Warriors teammate and Kiwis captain now playing for Tonga.
The pair have kept their distance before the match.
"It's gone AWOL. We haven't messaged each other since last week. I just wished him luck for his game on the weekend."
Nicoll-Klokstad is looking forward to the challenge.
"So, it's going to be a good battle and I'm looking forward to it."
The tournament has prompted talk among the players about what it would be like to have a team made up of the current Kiwis squad.
Nicoll-Klokstad told them: "well, you can if you come back to the Warriors."