Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leaves the field for a head check against Melbourne Storm. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Warriors v Knights
Kickoff: 8pm Friday, 27 April
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and centre Rocco Berry have returned to the NZ Warriors line-up to face Newcastle Knights in Christchurch on Friday.
Coach Andrew Webster has reshuffled his backline and returned veteran second-rower Kurt Capewell to the pack, after he covered for Berry in last weekend's Golden Point victory over Brisbane Broncos at Go Media Stadium.
Halfback Luke Metcalf [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/558677/nz-warriors-star-luke-metcalf-steals-another-celebration-in-golden-point-thriller
kicked a penalty in the first minute of extra time] to seal the win, but the return of Nicoll-Klokstad and Berry has enabled Webster to name a team closer to his first choice.
Nicoll-Klokstad missed the Broncos encounter, while he served concussion protocols, while Berry copped a one-game ban for a dangerous tackled against Melbourne Storm the previous week.
Taine Tuaupiki moves from fullback to wing at Ed Kosi's expense, while outstanding teenager Leka Halasima drops back to the bench to make way for Capewell.
With co-captain James Fisher-Harris still sidelined by a pec injury, Jackson Ford retains his starting role in the front row, bringing up his 50th game for the Auckland club, after previously appearing in 33 for St George Dragons.
Meanwhile, the Knights will welcome second-rower Dylan Lucas back from a hamstring injury.
Kiwis hooker Phoenix Crossland has been named, despite leaving last week's loss to Cronulla Sharks early with an ankle injury, while the Newcastle squad also features Gisborne-born twins Leo and Tyrone Thompson.
The respective line-ups are…
Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Taine Tuaupiki, 3 Rocco Berry, 4 Ali Leiataua, 5 Adam Pompey, 6 Chanel Harris- Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 Jackson Ford, 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Mitch Barnett (c), 11 Kurt Capewell, 12, Marata Niukore, 13 Erin Clark
Interchange: 14 Leka Halasima, 15 Bunty Afoa, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Jacob Laban
Reserves: 18 Te Maire Martin, 20 Tanah Boyd, 21 Tanner Stowers-Smith, 22 Sam Healey, 23 Ed Kosi
Knights: 1 Kalyn Ponga, 2 James Schiller, 3 Dane Gagai, 4 Bradman Best, 5 Greg Marzhew, 6 Fletcher Sharpe, 7 Tyson Gamble, 8 Tyson Frizell, 9 Phoenix Crossland, 10 Leo Thompson, 11 Dylan Lucas, 12, Kai Pearce-Paul, 13 Mat Croker
Interchange: 14 Jayden Brailey, 15 Tyrone Thompson, 16 Thomas Cant, 17 Brodie Jones
Reserves: 18 Kyle McCarthy, 19 Paul Bryan, 20 Jack Cogger, 21 Matthew Arthur
