If there was any more evidence needed of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad's role as NZ Warriors' 'Mr Reliable', look no further than playing through illness in Friday's 21-20 victory over Canberra Raiders.
Over the last two weeks, sickness has hampered the Warriors' preparations, but not affected the final scorelines in wins over Cronulla Sharks and Canberra.
While captain Tohu Harris was affected last week, Friday saw Nicoll-Klokstad hamstrung by sickness at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.
However, in 82 minutes of action - taking the golden point into consideration - Nicoll-Klokstad's standards never slipped against his former side.
The 27-year-old scored one try, broke the line once, ran for 194 metres and made 13 tackles in another impressive display against Canberra.
And while halfback Shaun Johnson rightfully grabbed the headlines for his game-winning field goal, coach Andrew Webster didn't hide his pride at Nicoll-Klokstad's displays.
"He's a beauty, Charnze," said Webster. "He's had sickness all week. He's gotten other players just turning up.
"The amount of energy output he's put into that game is unbelievable, [while] not feeling his best, is amazing."
Friday's victory comes at the perfect time for Nicoll-Klokstad and the Warriors, with next week being their final bye of 2023 before a favourable run of fixtures towards the end of the regular season.
The win makes it two games in a row for Nicoll-Klokstad to get the last laugh over the Raiders, after also shining in the 36-14 win in round 15.
Nicoll-Klokstad spent four seasons in Canberra, after leaving the Warriors in 2019 in search of more gametime.
And after re-signing with the Warriors last year to replace Brisbane Broncos-bound Reece Walsh, Nicoll-Klokstad hasn't looked back.
Since his return, Nicoll-Klokstad has hardly put a foot wrong as one of multiple players enjoying career-best seasons.
In 16 games, the fullback has scored four tries and assisted five more, while averaging 186 running metres per game.
In fact, Nicoll-Klokstad has been so dependable, coach Webster has even backed him to keep hold of the No.1 jersey next season, when Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns to the club after a stint in rugby union.
