Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is back with the New Zealand Warriors and has his eye on bringing home the club’s first premiership trophy.
The 27-year-old fullback first represented the Warriors in 2017 before heading across the ditch to the Canberra Raiders in 2019 for four years.
Having returned to New Zealand on a three-year deal under head coach Andrew Webster and played a starring role in the Warriors’ 5-2 record in 2023, Nicoll-Klokstad has made his intentions clear as to what he hopes to achieve back home.
“I guess a big part was to try and play consistent NRL again,” Nicoll-Klokstad told SEN 1170 The Captain’s Run.
“That was one of the reasons (and) another reason (is) there’s an opportunity that I felt was there when I was last back here and that’s to be a part of the first-ever New Zealand Warriors Grand Final-winning team.
“That would be pretty special.
“(Also) my boys moved back a couple of years ago, so that was another big reason.”
While Nicoll-Klokstad hopes to create history with the Warriors in 2023, the starring spine member says it is the confidence instilled in the players by Webster that has brought the side so much success in the opening seven rounds.
With this mentality, Nicoll-Klokstad is certain the Warriors can make playoffs at the end of the regular season.
“A big thing for me that I was really impressed with when I first came back into camp was just him wanting the team to feel confident about their abilities and about our process as a team,” the fullback said.
“I think every week that message doesn’t change; win, lose or draw, he wants us to come out of every meeting being confident in our own abilities and our game plans for that week.
“So I think that’s pretty cool and I think that’s where it starts.”
After 7 rounds, the Warriors lay third on the ladder but have now dropped to fifth as they await their Round 8 clash with the Melbourne Storm.
The two sides will go head-to-head in a traditional Anzac Day clash at AAMI Park on Tuesday night.
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