NZ Kiwis and incoming NZ Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is savouring his return to the international environment, after an injury-curtailed end to the 2022 NRL season.
Nicoll-Klokstad, 27, has battled hamstring issues for most of the season, and lost his spot at fullback to Xavier Savage, as the Raiders reached the second week of the NRL playoffs.
But back at full fitness, Nicoll-Klokstad was selected by Kiwis coach Michael Maguire for the Rugby League World Cup in England, and made his first appearance for his country since 2019 in the 74-0 warm-up victory against Leeds on Sunday.
Nicoll-Klokstad scored two of his side's 14 tries, filling in for the injured Joseph Manu, and giving Maguire a choice to make as to who'll wear the No.1 jersey when the World Cup begins against Lebanon on Monday.
For Nicoll-Klokstad himself though, the return to playing in any capacity was one to savour after a season that hasn't gone to plan.
"It was special, it was a special moment for myself," Nicoll-Klokstad said. "You appreciate the highs after going through the lows.
"That was a moment for me, [after] spending almost five months out of [first] grade, and spent the last three months in reserve grade.
"To be back here, at this level, and to experience this moment with the boys, it was definitely a really special memory that I'll cherish forever."
Nicoll-Klokstad's display against Leeds also saw him operate at centre - where he'd previously played for the Kiwis - shifting out of fullback to show Maguire he does have options alongside the pair of Peta Hiku and rookie Sebastian Kris.
And with his spot not guaranteed once Manu is fit, Nicoll-Klokstad indicates moving back into the centres could be a role for him during the World Cup.
"It was cool," he added. "I really enjoyed being back in the front line.
"It's obviously a different role compared to fullback. You're not roaming around as much, and doing a lot more tackles.
"I really, really, really enjoyed being back in the front line, and [I'm] looking forward to seeing what happens moving forward."
After the World Cup, Nicoll-Klokstad will also return to the Warriors for 2023, after signing a three-year deal earlier this year.
Join Newshub for live updates of the NZ Kiwis' Rugby League World Cup campaign, beginning October 17 (NZ time) against Lebanon.
