Kiwis v Cook Islands: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad says versatility only reason for opportunity in special clash
Kiwis utility Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad believes his versatility was the key to earning a place in New Zealand’s Rugby League World Cup squad, admitting he considered switching his allegiance back to the Cook Islands for the tournament.
While he favours fullback, Nicoll-Klokstad can also play five-eighth, wing and centre, where he will line up in Sunday’s clash against the Cook Islands in Christchurch.
It will be a special occasion for the 31-year-old, who made his test debut for the Cook Islands in 2015, representing his mother’s side of the family, before switching allegiance to the Kiwis in 2019. He has since played 16 tests for New Zealand.
With Kalyn Ponga and Keano Kini the Kiwis’ specialist fullbacks, Nicoll-Klokstad admits he contemplated returning to the Cook Islands for the World Cup.
However, his ability to cover multiple positions has proved valuable at both club and international level, giving him another opportunity to help New Zealand chase a second Rugby League World Cup crown.
“I think it’s probably the reason why I got the first opportunity right at the start of my international career was because I could play centre,” Nicoll-Klokstad said.
“If I was just an outright fullback, which I do enjoy playing fullback, I wouldn’t be in this opportunity to represent my country again this weekend.
“It’s definitely a massive benefit for myself and I see it as an opportunity just to keep working on my craft and see where I can get better.”
Despite contemplating a return to the Cook Islands, Nicoll-Klokstad says the memories he has made in the black jersey have been special.
He was part of New Zealand’s Pacific Championship-winning sides in 2023 and 2025, while making his Kiwis debut alongside Benji Marshall was another career highlight.
Sunday’s sold-out test at One NZ Stadium will be the first time Nicoll-Klokstad has faced the Cook Islands, and he is relishing the opportunity to represent his family in more ways than one.
“I’m proud Cook Island Māori Norwegian. I love every part of my heritage and although I’ll be wearing the black and white jersey, I’ll still be representing my mum, my nan, my family and whānau still in the Cook Islands,” Nicoll-Klokstad said.
“That’s home away from home for me and my boys know where their home is as well. “I’ve got good mates in that team and it’s definitely going to be a moment that I’ll look back on and I can be proud of.
Another Kiwis player with Cook Islands heritage is forward Xavier Willison, who played one test for the Kukis in 2022.
“I just remember the camp was pretty fun, being around the boys. I’m pretty excited to run out against some of those players that I played with,” Willison said.
“I’ve got Cook Island heritage, so to go out there against my own sort of heritage will be pretty cool too.”
Meanwhile, a familiar face has been spotted at Kiwis training this week, with Warriors hooker Wayde Egan running drills alongside the squad.
Footage of Egan training with the team quickly surfaced on social media, sparking speculation he had been called into the World Cup squad.
His appearance comes after questions were raised in the lead-up to the tournament over whether the Australian-born hooker, who has spent the past six seasons with the Warriors, would be eligible to represent New Zealand.
However, Egan, who has recently re-signed with the Warriors, was not selected by coach Stacey Jones, with the player citing prior commitments.
“I didn’t know everyone knew that he was in camp,” Nicoll-Klokstad said. “We have to keep everything under the hush.
“It’s cool to have Wayde into camp. He looks really good in black, eh. I don’t know if you’ve seen any footage or seen him out at the moment, but I’ve enjoyed having him here so far.”
The Kiwis have just one specialist hooker in their squad in Jeremy Marshall-King, although Kodi Nikorima, Erin Clark and Te Maire Martin can also fill the role if required.
Phoenix Crossland is another hooker in camp but, like Egan, was not selected, due to suspension.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.