diff --git a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/chat/ChatMessageManager.java b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/chat/ChatMessageManager.java
index da4c222fd6..c571282a00 100644
--- a/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/chat/ChatMessageManager.java
+++ b/runelite-client/src/main/java/net/runelite/client/chat/ChatMessageManager.java
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ public class ChatMessageManager
 
 		boolean isChatboxTransparent = client.isResized() && client.getVar(Varbits.TRANSPARENT_CHATBOX) == 1;
 		Color usernameColor = null;
-		Color senderColor = null;
+		Color senderColor;
 
 		switch (chatMessageType)
 		{