NZ Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is one of six players tied at the top of the Dally M Medal standings, after the first round of the new NRL season.
Making his first Warriors appearance since 2018, Nicoll-Klokstad was under pressure early in the 20-12 victory over Newcastle Knights, making an error in the opening minutes at Wellington.
He spilled a high kick with his first touch, leading to Lachlan Fitzgibbon's opening try for the Knights, but he quickly put the error behind him, delivering a standout display reminiscent of his 2019 breakthrough form for Canberra Raiders.
Nicoll-Klokstad scored one try and made 10 tackles, including a trysaver, to go with 19 runs for 204 metres.
With 12 available points towards the Dally M Medal in each game of the NRL regular season, Nicoll-Klokstad was awarded six - the maximum possible for a player to receive.
Warriors captain Tohu Harris received three points, while Wayde Egan (two) and Jackson Ford (one) were also rewarded for their displays.
Nicoll-Klokstad's efforts see him in a five-way tie atop the Dally M leaderboard - albeit with only one game played.
Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant, Manly Sea Eagles halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Lachlan Ilias and Redcliffe Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King were the other players to pick up maximum points in week one.
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