Nicoll-Klokstad and Ford return for Warriors

Freddy Lussick
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and second rower Jackson Ford return to the Warriors lineup for their first NRL game of the season at Mount Smart Stadium against Canterbury Bankstown on Sunday.

Nicoll-Klokstad and Ford missed last weekend’s impressive 26-12 win over North Queensland after head knocks in the clash against the Sydney Roosters on March 11.

After outstanding displays in the season-opening win over Newcastle, Nicoll-Klokstad has come back into the fullback spot and Ford has been named to again partner fellow new signing Marata Niukore in the secondrow.

Nicoll-Klokstad’s return results in debutant Taine Tuaupiki moving to the extended bench while Ford replaces the injured Mitchell Barnett (neck).

Also missing this week is experienced hooker Wayde Egan (concussion), whose superb form has seen him score a try in each of the first three matches.

In his absence Freddy Lussick will make his first appearanceof the season and the 23rdof his career.

He played for the club’s New South Wales Cup side in its first two matches before filling the 18th man role in Townsville last Saturday.

After captain Tohu Harris’ landmark 200th NRL appearance against the Cowboys another milestone will be achieved on Sunday when new signing Niukore plays his 100th first-grade match, the fourth for his hometown club after 96 outings for Parramatta.

The contest will also be notable for pitting two rookie head coaches against each other after being fellow assistant coaches with back-to-back premiers the Penrith Panthers.

In his first three matches as Warriors coach, Andrew Webster has guided the side to two wins and a loss to sit fourth on the ladder while his ex-colleague Cameron Ciraldo started his career with a loss to Manly Warringah before rebounding with wins over Melbourne and the Wests Tigers; theBulldogs are lying eighth.