I love both my nations’: CNK set for emotional Cook Islands reunion

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will come face-to-face with a piece of his rugby league past when he runs out for New Zealand against the Cook Islands, the nation he first represented on the international stage.

The versatile Auckland-born back has earned his opportunity at the World Cup, named to start in the centres in place of Dane Gagai. 

Renowned as a fullback, Nicoll-Klokstad has built a career on his ability to slot in across the backline, including centre and five-eighth, while playing on the wing six times in 2026 for the Warriors, including in their two finals matches.

With Kalyn Ponga and Keano Kini among the options at fullback, the 31-year-old’s versatility has once again opened the door to international honours - the 20th Test of his career.

“It’s probably the reason why I got the first opportunity right at the start of my international career, because I could play centre,” Nicoll-Klokstad said.

“For any of the younger players coming through, it’s definitely a benefit to have that in your back pocket for opportunities like this.

“If I was just an outright fullback, which I do enjoy playing fullback, I wouldn’t be in this opportunity to represent my country again this weekend.”

But Sunday’s clash will mean far more than another chance to showcase his versatility.

Nicoll-Klokstad made his international debut for the Cook Islands in 2015, playing three Tests on the wing and at fullback before going on to represent New Zealand in 16 Tests to date.

With the Cook Islands representing his mother’s side of the family, the match will be an emotional occasion for the Kiwis star.

“I’m proud Cook Island, Maori, Norwegian. I love every part of my heritage and although I’ll be wearing the black and white jersey, I’ll still be representing my mum, my nan, my family and whanau still in the Cook Islands,” he said.

“That’s home away from home for me.

“I love both my nations. Growing up, I played and actually started my international career with the Cook Islands.

“It’s going to mean a lot for my family, my mum in particular, my great-grandmother. It’ll mean a lot to play against them.”

Nicoll-Klokstad could have continued his international career with the Cook Islands, potentially in his preferred position at fullback, but his commitment to the Kiwis was always at the top of the list. 

“As much as I did think about the possibility that I could put on that Cook Islands jersey, making sure that I was available and as fit and healthy as I can be for this black and white jersey was priority,” he said.

“Although I’m wearing a black and white jersey, I know my family in the Cook Islands will be very proud, I know my mum will be very proud and I know my nan looking down on us will be very proud too.”

Now, with a World Cup title in his sights, Nicoll-Klokstad is drawing on the memories that first inspired him to represent New Zealand.

The Kiwis’ stunning 30-0 victory over Australia in the 2023 Pacific Championships remains a powerful reminder of what the side can achieve, but it's the 2008 World Cup triumph that first ignited his dream.

“I feel like I’ve been dreaming about it since 2008 when I watched the boys lift that cup,” he said.

“And I remember tuning in, we had missed the start because I had league training and I was watching eagerly, watching the Kiwis go to work and for them to get the result at the end of the game was special.

“It definitely lit that fire for me to want to represent them one day, and here I am.

“I know that the way to bring New Zealand kids to rugby league, to want to wear this black and white jersey, is through success, and that starts at training and inside those four walls.”