Nicoll-Klokstad retains fullback spot vs Panthers
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad retains the fullback’s job for the Warriors’ encounter with table-topping Penrith at Mt Smart on Friday night even with Taine Tuaupiki back from injury.
Veteran Nicoll-Klokstad will back up in the #1 jersey after an outstanding performance in the 42-6 win over the Titans when he started in place of Tuaupiki, who was sidelined with a foot injury.
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Nicoll-Klokstad ran a game-high 253 metres including 86 post-contact metres, a line break, five tackle breaks and a number of key defensive plays.
Also retained as a starting centre is Leka Halasima, who was a late replacement in the centres for regular Adam Pompey. The regular back rower was in electric touch with a try, 147 metres from 15 runs, 60 post-contact metres, a line break, a line break assist, a try assist and five tackle breaks.
The highly-anticipated return home for a match-up between the top-placed Panthers and the third-placed Warriors provides a milestone moment for experienced campaigner Kurt Capewell who will make his 50th appearance for the club. He lines up in the second row with Jacob Laban in an unchanged pack.
The listed six-man bench includes second rower Morgan Gannon who’s in line to make his second appearance of the season. The other five named are hooker Sam Healey, middle forwards Tanner Stowers-Smith and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Luke Metcalf and Tuaupiki.
Loose forward Erin Clark and hooker Wayde Egan extend their run of being the only players to appear in each of the Warriors’ game this season when they turn out for the 20th time.
They meet again after producing one of the season’s most exceptional contests in round 13 when the Panthers came back to win 20-18.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Leka Halasima, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 16. Morgan Gannon, 17. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 18. Luke Metcalf, 20. Taine Tuaupiki
Reserves: 21. Riley Price, 22. Makaia Tafua, 23. Adam Pompey
Meanwhile, coach Ron Griffiths has kept the same starting players for their NRLW home game against Newcastle Knights at Hamilton on Saturday, but was switched things up among the outside backs.
Sevens star Stacey Waaka will move from wing to centre, with Tysha Ikenasio shifting out a spot.
Warriors: 1. Apii Nicholls, 2. Tysha Ikenasio, 3. Mele Hufanga, 4. Stacey Waaka, 5. Payton Takimoana, 6. Emmanita Paki, 7. Gayle Broughton, 8. Maarire Puketapu, 9. Patricia Maliepo, 10. Metanoia Fetalaiga, 11. Shakira Baker, 12. Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 13. Kaiya Atai
Interchange: 14. Capri Paekau, 15. Harata Butler, 16. Ivana Lauitiiti, 17. Mya Hill-Moana
Reserves: 18. Ashlee Matapo, 19. Jasmin Huriwai, 20. Lavinia Tauhalaliku, 21. Annetta Nuuausala, 22. Natalia Hickling