NZ Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad asserts he won't give up the club's No.1 jersey when former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns to the NRL in 2024.
After returning to the Warriors from four seasons with Canberra Raiders, 27-year-old Nicoll-Klokstad has been a standout performer for the side trying to break into the NRL's top eight for the first time since 2018.
In nine games this year, Nicoll-Klokstad has scored one try, made two assists, and averages 182 metres per game on attack, to go with 49 tackles at a success rate of just under 88 percent.
But the return of Tuivasa-Sheck gives the club a selection headache next year.
While the 29-year-old has struggled to convert to rugby union after joining the Blues in 2022, Tuivasa-Sheck's pedigree in the 13-man code is unrivalled.
In 2018, Tuivasa-Sheck was awarded the Dally M medal for the NRL's best player - the first and so far only Warriors player to do so.
Now, though, both Nicoll-Klokstad and Tuivasa-Sheck will face a fight to wear the No.1, while the other will likely be forced infield to play in the centres.
Nicoll-Klokstad's first stint with the Warriors - after coming through the club's juniors pathway- was ended by his inability to displace Tuivasa-Sheck, Ken Maumalo or David Fusitu'a in the back three.
As a junior, Nicoll-Klokstad made his name for the Warriors playing centre, but has always declared his preference for the No.1 jersey.
And despite playing centre for NZ Kiwis at test level, Nicoll-Klokstad says he won't be moving to accommodate Tuivasa-Sheck's return.
"I'm a fullback," Nicoll-Klokstad told the NRL's official website.
"I came here without a doubt in my mind that I am just a fullback, I'm not a fullback utility, I'm not playing centre or winger.
"As far as I am aware I am the fullback of the Warriors and it's up to me to make sure that I am playing consistent footy."
So far this season, the Warriors have re-signed winger Ed Kosi and utility back Marcelo Montoya, meaning competition for places in 2024 will be rife for both Nicoll-Klokstad and Tuivasa-Sheck next year.
After his return to the Warriors was finalised, Tuivasa-Sheck spoke of his admiration for Nicoll-Klokstad - but said any positional talk would have to wait.
"I always knew Charnze was going to be an outstanding player," said Tuivasa-Sheck. "He was special when we were together at the Warriors, and he's special today.
"But positioning will be [the] details to follow later in the year. We're on Blues ground at the moment, and we've got to respect that.
"I love that I've secured my future, but at this stage, I'm talking rugby today - and to the end of this year."
