The New Zealand Warriors have announced a two-year contract extension for fan favorite Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (CNK), in a move that appears to end speculation they could look to sign former Roosters star Joey Manu. The Warriors confirmed on Wednesday that CNK had knocked back overseas interest to commit his future to Andrew Webster’s side, in news that will please the Auckland club’s fans.
The fullback had been linked with a move to the English Super League but has decided to remain with the Warriors until at least the end of the 2027 NRL season, when he will be 32. It was widely expected that CNK would leave the Warriors at the end of this season, with fellow Kiwi superstar Manu tipped to take his place at fullback after reportedly getting cold feet about his move to French rugby.
But that will not be the case after the Warriors re-signed Nicoll-Klokstad, which potentially hands the Roosters a major boost in bringing Manu back to the Bondi club. CNK has been superb for the Warriors since returning from Canberra for a second stint at the Kiwi club. And he helped them reach the preliminary finals during his first year back in 2023.
CNK cemented himself as one of the best defensive fullbacks in the NRL during his time in Canberra but set a new personal best for average run meters in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He was missing for the Warriors’ thrilling golden point win over Brisbane last week but is set to return at fullback for Friday night’s home game against Newcastle in Christchurch.
The Warriors do have the electric Taine Tuaupiki as a quality backup for CNK at fullback, and he had emerged as a candidate to take over the No. 1 jersey if Nicoll-Klokstad left to play overseas. But Coach Webster made it clear that CNK was a huge part of their plans going forward after expressing his delight that the fullback had agreed on an extension.
“Keeping Charnze means so much to us,” the Warriors coach said. “He plays such a huge part at our club, and we didn’t want him going anywhere else. The energy he brings to every training session, every game, and around the club is unbelievable. He’s all heart and soul, and we love him.”
Nicoll-Klokstad returns from concussion protocols to face an out-of-sorts Newcastle on Anzac Day, knowing that a win could lift the Warriors into second on the ladder. CNK had been the Warriors’ only regular first-grader without a deal beyond 2025, but winger Ed Kosi, backup playmaker Te Maire Martin, and forwards Tom Ale and Bunty Afoa are all unsigned after this season.
CNK’s Warriors extension hands Roosters Joey Manu boost
CNK’s extension ends speculation the Warriors could look to sign Manu as their next fullback, with the Roosters seemingly in the box seat to bring the club legend back from rugby. Manu left the Roosters at the end of last season and made a switch to rugby union, where he’s been playing for Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.
The former Golden Boot winner then planned on linking up with French rugby club Racing 92 from July, ahead of the domestic rugby season in France, which kicks off in August. But recent reports suggested Manu has had a change of heart and is understood to be angling for an NRL return on compassionate grounds.
However, Roosters coach Trent Robinson poured cold water on the prospect of bringing Manu back this season and said he was unaware of reports the club legend was eyeing a return to the NRL. “I had no idea about it at all, so that’s the first thing,” Robinson said earlier in April.
“Joey, this is his home; it always has been. But I’m sure he’s got a plan. If he’s asked for a release, then he’d have a plan on what he wants to do, and that’s not going to be with us.” Robinson seemingly left the door open for Manu to return next season, though, and Nicoll-Klokstad’s re-signing with the Warriors would seem to give them a clearer path to bringing Manu back.
“Naturally you would (welcome him back), but that’s not our choice. Joey gets to make his choice,” Robinson said about the two-time premiership winner. “He doesn’t owe us anything. We’ve spent a lot of time together. There’s obviously a professional relationship with the Roosters and also a lot of care for his family. I don’t know if it’s true; I’ve heard it reported. But until Joey tells me, then I won’t be interested in why he doesn’t want to go to France.”
