Canberra to lock Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in with contract extension

It was a gamble for both player and club — but Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s move to Canberra has gone so well, the Raiders can’t wait to tie their firecracker fullback down to a new deal.

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From a fringe first grader at the Warriors to one of the NRL’s most consistent fullbacks, now Canberra sensation Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is set to be rewarded with a contract extension.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Raiders officials will meet with the flyer’s agent in New Zealand next week to kickstart negotiations.

The Raiders play the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium next Friday and will spend the week in Auckland following this weekend’s clash against Penrith.

This will give Canberra time to nut out a long-term contract for Nicoll-Klokstad, who is a free agent from November 1 this year.

The young fullback struggled to find a way through at the Warriors. Photo: AAP Image/David Rowland

“We’ve like to have Charnze here long-term,” Raiders CEO Don Furner said. “He has been outstanding for us.

“His agent lives in New Zealand, so we plan to catch up with him to talk about a new deal next week.

“We certainly want to extend Charnze. He is at that fantastic age (23), he has two young children and as we told him when he moved over here, Canberra is a great place to bring up young kids.

“He is also one of the most popular players we’ve got with the fans and the kids.”

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Nicoll-Klokstad deserves whatever money Canberra throw at him because he has been outstanding this season.

The Auckland-born back has played all 17 games for the Raiders this season, racking up nine tries, 75 tackle breaks and 176 metres per game.

Nicoll-Klokstad has worked hard to achieve his success after playing only seven NRL games in his two seasons at the Warriors in 2017-18 but he has also benefited from a Roger Tuivasa-Sheck endorsement.

Flash back to February and RTS approached Furner at the NRL season launch in Bondi after noticing his “Raiders CEO” name tag.

No surprise teammates speak so highly of him. Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

The Warriors star heaped praise his former teammate Nicholl-Klokstad in front of Canberra players and officials.

“Roger didn’t have to do that but he said you won’t get a better trainer and a better person for your club than Charnze,” Furner recalls.

“I didn’t know RTS but he joined our social circle. I had my name tag on and he said, ‘oh are you from the Raiders?

“I said yes and he said, ‘you’ve signed Charnze’. Roger then gave him a massive rap.

“He said Charnze couldn’t get passed the two wingers at the Warriors in Maumalo and Fusitu’a and just needed an opportunity.

“That praise from Roger was before a ball was kicked in the 2019 season.

“I came back to Canberra and told Charnze what Roger said and how he spoke highly of him. It was just good to hear that type of stuff and get it from the right people.”

Nicoll-Klokstad is now being mentioned in the same conversation alongside the game’s best fullbacks like James Tedesco, RTS and Kalyn Ponga.

Furner believes the resurgent Raider’s story of determination and work ethic should be used to inspire other players to follow in his footsteps.

“There must be so many good players who just don’t get an opportunity,” he said.

“Charnze could have easily stayed in New Zealand and be 25 and have to leave and get a job to provide for his family.

“Every club has players like that. We gave an opportunity to Blake Austin a couple of years ago and he has kicked on.”