Super League Bidding War Erupts for Warriors Star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad Amid Contract Tug-of-War
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s future in the NRL remains up in the air, with growing speculation surrounding a potential move to the Super League as more clubs circle the Warriors’ star fullback. Since his return to the New Zealand Warriors in 2023 after four years with the Canberra Raiders, Nicoll-Klokstad has re-established himself as one of the competition’s most consistent and hardworking players. The 29-year-old dual international, having represented both the Cook Islands and New Zealand, was instrumental in the Warriors’ surge to the 2023 Preliminary Final, where they ultimately fell short against the Brisbane Broncos.
Now, as his current contract nears its end, multiple overseas suitors have emerged. French-based Catalans Dragons have reportedly been eyeing Nicoll-Klokstad to fill the gap left by Arthur Mourgue’s departure and the upcoming retirement of veteran fullback Sam Tomkins. However, they are no longer alone in the race, with reports from The New Zealand Herald confirming that the London Broncos have also expressed serious interest in luring the fullback to the Super League.
Despite the mounting interest from abroad, the Warriors are not giving up without a fight. The club has tabled a two-year contract extension in hopes of retaining Nicoll-Klokstad’s services. Head coach Andrew Webster has been vocal about his desire to keep the playmaker in Auckland, highlighting the often brutal nature of professional sports when it comes to off-contract negotiations. “We don’t want them wearing another jersey,” Webster said. “But we’ve got to keep talking.”
Should Nicoll-Klokstad decide to move on, the Warriors have a promising option waiting in the wings. Taine Tuaupiki, the club’s 2024 Rookie of the Year, is widely expected to step into the fullback role. Although he has just 17 first-grade appearances—mostly on the wing—Tuaupiki has already made a lasting impression, particularly during a standout performance against the Panthers. At just 25, he represents the club’s future in the No. 1 jersey, but for now, all eyes remain on Nicoll-Klokstad’s next move.
