New Zealand Warriors and NRL utility back Charnze Jackson Ford has been hit with devastating criminal charges that have sent shockwaves through rugby league.
Police confirmed today that the 30-year-old former New Zealand international has been charged with one count of strangulation/suffocation (domestic) and one count of assault on a person under 14 years of age. The alleged offending is said to have occurred at a residential address in Auckland on the evening of March 15, 2026.
According to the police summary released this afternoon:
“The charges relate to an incident involving a child known to the defendant. The alleged victim suffered no serious physical injury but was left extremely distressed. Following a prompt investigation and family harm assessment, Nicoll-Klokstad was arrested without incident and appeared in the Auckland District Court this morning.”
Nicoll-Klokstad was granted interim name suppression until his next court appearance on April 2, 2026, at which point police will seek a further remand. He has been bailed on strict conditions, including no contact with the alleged victim or certain family members, and must reside at an approved address.
The Warriors issued a brief but firm statement within hours of the charges being made public:
“The club has been made aware of serious allegations involving Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad. We are cooperating fully with New Zealand Police and relevant authorities. Out of respect for the judicial process and those involved, we will not be making further comment at this time. The welfare of all parties remains our primary concern.”
Nicoll-Klokstad, who joined the Warriors on a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 season after stints with the Warriors (first spell), Warriors, Gold Coast Titans and New Zealand Warriors again, has played 18 games for the club since his return, mostly at fullback and wing. He was a key part of the side’s early-season resurgence in 2026 before being stood down immediately upon notification of the police investigation.
The NRL has confirmed the player has been provisionally suspended under its no-fault stand-down policy for serious criminal charges involving violence or vulnerable persons. He will remain sidelined pending the outcome of court proceedings.
Social media reaction has been swift and polarised. Many fans expressed horror and disappointment, with comments like “If proven, this is unforgivable – no place in our game,” while others called for due process: “Innocent until proven guilty. Let the courts decide.” Warriors supporters are particularly gutted, with the club already dealing with off-field turbulence this season.
The case has reignited wider conversations around player welfare, family violence education programs in the NRL, and the league’s duty of care when serious allegations surface.
For now, the once-celebrated fullback’s future hangs in the balance. A talented footballer with 150+ NRL games to his name now faces the most serious challenge of his life off the field.
The Warriors community — and the entire NRL — waits anxiously for what comes next.
