Canberra coach Ricky Stuart says every NRL club has a select few players they can’t afford to lose and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is one of them.
The Kiwi fullback has been a revelation in his first season at the Raiders, but it was almost over last week when Nicoll-Klokstad thought he’d broken his leg against the Wests Tigers.
He heard a crack in the second half but played out the game and pulled up with only bruising. The silky smooth 23-year-old has played every minute this season and will start against Penrith on Sunday.
Nicoll-Klokstad was stuck behind Warriors star and Dally M Medallist Roger Tuivasa-Sheck last season.
Now he’s on track to poll votes in the coveted award after becoming one of Canberra’s most important players this season.
Nicoll-Klokstad is the Raiders’ leading try scorer (9), leads the NRL in runs (302) and kick return metres (1196), is third for run metres (2847) and fifth for tackle breaks (61).
Stuart confirmed his fullback had been cleared to play against a red-hot Panthers and admitted he could ill-afford to lose Nicoll-Klokstad at this point of the season.
“He’s okay, that’s the way he plays, a physical style of game and he gets knocked around a bit but he’s a tough kid and he’s handling it very well,” Stuart said.
“He’s got a lot of emotion and passion about his game, he certainly plays with a lot of heart and he’s a joy to watch. It’s been a wonderful season for him so far.
“There’s probably two or three of those players in every team (that you can’t afford to lose) and when you get down to the pointy end of the season it’s the teams that have a little bit of luck with having their best players not injured.
“It’s about handling the loads and that’s why you put so much energy and work into them outside the training field to make sure they are physically OK.”
Queensland State of Origin star Josh Papalii returns to Canberra’s starting side this week and Stuart backed him to shine alongside NSW Blues gun Jack Wighton.
“Papa’s role has been enormous, he’s been great over the season and just the way he’s handled the Origin period and his club footy just shows his growth and maturity,” Stuart said.
“Jack and Papa have their first day back today (Thursday) since the game (on Saturday) so they got a good break which is important after their representative and club commitments.”
