Darwin Brothers’ Jonas Niki to play 100th NRL NT match in Round 10 against Nightcliff

Darwin Brothers’ premiership captain will bring up his 100th NRL NT game against old rivals Nightcliff in a match that will give him a chance to reflect on what the club means to him and his family.

Jonas Niki celebrates the Darwin Brothers win in the 2024 NRL NT grand final against Northern Sharks. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Darwin Brothers’ premiership captain Jonas Niki will play his 100th NRL NT match, a game that will give him a chance to reflect and honour the club that means everything to him and his family.

Niki has played a key role in the club’s successful run in recent years playing in the 2020 grand final and leading them to glory once again in 2024.

Now, he’s bringing up one of the big milestones, but for him it’s just as much about the club that has supported his siblings and extended family through the years.

“It’s a special moment, I got to play in the grand finals but it’s just a little piece of the cake for me,” he said.

“It’s 100 games for the club, that’s something we don’t get to celebrate a lot and to it with my close mates, brother (Caleb Niki) and my cousins, it will be a special night.

“I’m keen to rip into it, it will be a big game against old rivals Nightcliff who will be looking to get one back on us, the energy is there for us at training and we’re looking to take that forward.”

Niki’s family has become a core part of the club with sister Ellie captaining the women’s side, Caleb winning the 2023 Frank Johnson and cousin Aaron Kurnoth the 2025 captain.

Captain Jonas Niki leads the Darwin Brothers out against the Northern Sharks in the 2024 NRL NT men's grand final. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

And it’s that true feeling of family connection that makes the club mean so much more to him, particularly under the guidance of coach Leon Cleal.

“It’s everything, the club has been so supportive of me and my whole family, (president) John Adams and everyone makes it such a welcoming place,” Niki said.

“I was able to make my own path and lead as captain and now I’ve passed it off to Aaron and he’s making his own stories.

“That’s the beauty of captaining this club, no matter how old you are or where you come from we’re family and love to listen and play with each other.

“Every game I’ve played has been with Leon, it’s been a privilege he’s got a wealth of experience and knowledge and does so much for the NT, I’ve got a lot of love and respect for him.”

The Brethren are again mixing it with the top sides sitting second after their Round 9 80-6 smashing of South Darwin and are just one win behind Litchfield.

Darwin Brothers’ Jonas Niki ahead of the 2025 NRL NT season. Picture: Patch Clapp / NRL NT

Dallas Caulton continued his strong form with 32 points including two tries, while Elijah Coombes, Kyro AhMat and Tame Tupou continue to impress in the forwards.

“Dallas is a superstar to move from wing to a key position at such a young age, he’s really taken it on and impressed everyone,” Niki said.

“He’s hungry after missing out on the grand final and wants to win it again, as is Elijah who has been a real standout and Kyro gives you 100 percent no matter where he plays.

“All the fringe players from last year are putting in extra now, we’ve not had that consistent side each week but our success has come down to everyone buying including the other grades.

“Our main focus the past few weeks has shifted from our structure and attack to our defence, getting that trust and communication back together.

“If we can be strong in defence we know our attack will flow, we don’t really have to play to a structure as everyone knows, we love to throw the ball around that backyard footy style.”

Originally published as Darwin Brothers’ Jonas Niki to play 100th NRL NT match in Round 10 against Nightcliff