Marsden SHS adds to rich bank of rugby league knowledge by signing an NRL player and teacher

Marsden State High School has added to its rich bank of rugby league knowledge by announcing NRL player Darren Nicholls would join the teaching staff in 2020.

Marsden State High School has added to its rich bank of rugby league knowledge by announcing NRL player Darren Nicholls would join the teaching staff in 2020.

Nicholls, who played his last NRL game with St George Illawarra this season, will be a full-time teacher who will also work across the school’s boys and girls rugby league programs.

MARSDEN MAKE STATE WIDE GRAND FINAL

He brings a wealth of experience to the school, having been a professional rugby league halfback across the Dragons, Penrith, Souths, Broncos, Tigers and Raiders’ systems.

Darren Nicholls scores on grand final day for Panthers in the 2017 State Championship Final. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Nicholls has been both a New South Wales and Queensland residents representative halfback.

Matthew Hartigan, the Marsden SHS Head of Department of High Performance and Rugby League Coordinator, was excited about the experience Nicholls would bring to the Mako community.

Darren Nicholls playing with Redcliffe. Picture: Bradley Cooper

“Darren is a great person,’’ Hartigan said.

“He has always been very well respected across the NRL.

“Darren’s wide range of experiences and his skill set will mean that our local young men and women will be able to grow under his guidance.

“He will be an asset to our excellent programs.’’

$1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. Min. cost $4

This year Marsden’s senior team made the state final of the National Schoolboys Cup while the Year 10 side won the Walters Cup for the best side in southern Queensland.

Darren Nicholls scores for Queensland residents. Pic Peter Wallis

Marsden SHS, the home school of rugby league legend Cameron Smith, is a prolific breeding ground for league talent.

The latest past player from Marsden SHS to hit the headlines is Tonga fullback and Brisbane Broncos signing Tesi Niu, who played last weekend against Great Britain.