Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to replace Reece Walsh at New Zealand Warriors

New Zealand Warriors have signed dual-international Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad from next season, where he will replace Australia-bound Reece Walsh at full-back.

Nicoll-Klokstad, 26, has signed a three-year contract to return to the Warriors. He has spent the past four seasons with Canberra Raiders.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said: “Having Charnze back with the Vodafone Warriors is going to be tremendous for us as a club and also for him personally.

“He brings undoubted qualities as one of the best full-backs in the game as well as so much off the field as a wonderful young man.

“He’s so excited about coming back to the Vodafone Warriors, being home and being closer to his family.”

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in, Reece Walsh out

Nicoll-Klokstad has played for New Zealand and the Cook Islands on the international stage. He has scored 23 tries in 66 games for Canberra.

The signing of Nicoll-Klokstand signals the end of Walsh’s time with the Warriors.

Goerge confirmed that Walsh, who is contracted for 2023 with an option for 2024, had indicated to the club his desire to stay in Australia.

George said: “There has been a major change in Reece’s personal circumstances in the past two months which have impacted on his ability to move to Auckland with the club next season.

“We’re working through his situation and have given him permission, with some conditions, to look at options in Brisbane. It’s not the way either Reece or the club had wanted this to play out but we respect the issues he has.”

Walsh has made 30 appearances for the Warriors since making his debut last year. The Warriors currently sit 13th in the NRL ladder, having won five from 16 games so far in 2022.

PODCAST: Paul McShane on play-off goals, England & Love Island

LOVE RL: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League podcast and mobile app