Via Warriors Media
The Vodafone Warriors have today confirmed wing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has been granted a release to continue his NRL career in Australia.
The 23-year-old Cook Islands international was off contract at the end of the season but sought an immediate release to join the Canberra Raiders.
He farewelled players and staff at the club on Thursday ahead of flying to Canberra today.
“While it’s disappointing to lose a person of Charnze’s calibre, it’s a great opportunity for him and for his family,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Brian Smith.
“He has done a terrific job on and off the field for the club but we’re not in a position to give Charnze the first-grade opportunities he potentially has on offer at Canberra with Jordan Rapana side-lined.
“We’re truly grateful for his contribution and the standards he set. We wish him all the best for what lies ahead.”
Auckland-born Nicoll-Klokstad joined the Vodafone Warriors in 2016 from Melbourne, scoring 28 tries in 59 Intrust Super Premiership appearances across three seasons. He made his NRL debut in 2017, going on to play seven matches in all that year while he scored seven tries. He wasn’t used at NRL level last year.
Via Raiders Media
The Canberra Raiders have signed New Zealand Warriors back Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, with the 23-year-old set to join the club effective immediately.
Nicoll-Klokstad has signed a two-year deal with the club and will commence training with the Raiders this week. In an impressive start to his NRL career Nicoll-Klokstad has scored seven tries in his seven appearances in the top grade.
Arriving in Canberra today, Nicoll-Klokstad said he’s excited about the opportunity in front of him and re-uniting with one of his former Warriors teammates.
“I’m very excited, the opportunity to come here was too good to turn down. My family and I are really looking forward to coming to Canberra. This Club has great history and we’re looking forward to learning all about it and learn more about the city of Canberra,” Nicoll-Klokstad said. “I know Ata (Hingano) from my time at the Warriors, I’ll be living with him for a little bit so I’m very excited to get started.”
“We have a big training session tomorrow, I’m looking to rip in straight away and get to know my new teammates.”
Welcome to the green machine Charnze! 🙌
✍️ https://t.co/JW1VHVVZiU#WeAreRaiders pic.twitter.com/YbRztwchj1
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) February 8, 2019
With the ability to play a number of positions, Nicoll-Klokstad said he’d be happy to play anywhere in the Raiders 17 but would love the chance to play fullback.
“I’m looking to play at fullback however any position in the NRL I would be grateful for,” he said. “Like I said, I can’t wait to meet all the team and start working hard.”
Raiders Recruitment and High-Performance director Peter Mulholland said the signing of Nicoll-Klokstad gave the Raiders a player who could play several positions.
“Charnze is a very talented player who can play wing, fullback and in the halves,” Mulholland said. “We’re looking forward to him joining the squad and getting himself ready for the season ahead.”
“Charnze is also a wonderful representative for the game off-field and does some great work as an ambassador for Physical Disability Rugby League in New Zealand.”
Categories: Articles + Inteviews, WARRIORS NEWS
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