One step forward, two back for the Warriors, with confirmation star fullback Reece Walsh wants out of the club.
Reece Walsh doesn’t want to live in New Zealand.
Photo: AAP
The Warriors boss Cameron George said 19-year-old Walsh, who is signed for 2023 with an option for 2024, had indicated his wish to stay in Australia and will be given an early release from his contract.
“There has been a major change in Reece’s personal circumstances in the past two months which have impacted on his ability to move to Auckland with the club next season.
“We’re working through his situation and have given him permission, with some conditions, to look at options in Brisbane.
“It’s not the way either Reece or the club had wanted this to play out but we respect the issues he has.”
Walsh has made 30 appearances for the Warriors since his debut last year but he missed Sunday’s homecoming win over the Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium after failing a Covid test.
Australian media report Walsh will leave at the end of the NRL season to rejoin his former club the Brisbane Broncos.
It’s another hit for the Warriors, who have already lost forward Matt Lodge and coach Nathan Brown this season, while the team languishes near the bottom of the NRL ladder.
However, George also announced the signing of Canberra Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who will return to the Auckland based club from next season.
The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract to bring him back to his original NRL club after spending the past four seasons with the Raiders.
“Having Charnze back with the Warriors is going to be tremendous for us as a club and also for him personally,” said George.
“He brings undoubted qualities as one of the best fullbacks in the game as well as so much off the field as a wonderful young man.
“He’s so excited about coming back to the Warriors, being home and being closer to his family.”
Nicoll-Klokstad made his NRL debut with the Warriors in their 14-13 ninth-round win over the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium in 2017.
As well as playing for the Cook Islands he played three Tests for the Kiwis in 2019 and represented the Māori All Stars in 2021.
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