Rising defender Rodney Baird opts for a black and red jumper after his formative years at Palmerston

FAMILY ties are believed to have lured Palmerston defender Rodney Baird to the Tiwi Bombers

Once were Magpies: Rodney Baird finds a way through a Waratah sandwich in a 2018-19 game.

FAMILY ties are believed to have lured Palmerston defender Rodney Baird to the Tiwi Bombers.

The 2017-18 NT News Rising Star and 192cm defender is expected to line up against Nightcliff on Saturday afternoon after being cleared to the Tiwis on Monday.

The Tiwi’s general manager Leigh Crossman said the 20-year-old trained with the Bombers on Monday night and impressed club officials with his all-round play.

“Barring any major disruption he’ll play against Nightcliff this weekend,’’ Crossman told the NT News last night.

“He’ll fit in well down back with Jason (Puruntatameri) returning this week. Both of them are tall lads and will give us some height in defence and that’s great.

“Rodney’s a big lad, bigger than I thought he was and he marks strongly, kicks the footy well and reads the play, factors that will fit in well with his new teammates.’’

Disappointed Magpie president Russell Davey said his club had worked overtime to keep Baird in a black and white jumper.

“We certainly tried to keep him at the club,’’ Davey said. “It’s a shame one of our sons who played all his junior football for the Magpies has gone, possibly never to return.

“He didn’t really give the full details on why he wanted to leave, though his dad’s side of the family are on the (Bathurst) island so that might have had a bit to do with it.

“One thing’s for sure, Rodney leaving will leave a big hole in our backline, something Frog (coach Alwyn Davey) and his assistants will have to work on filling.’’

The Tiwi-Nightcliff clash is scheduled for 2.30pm on Saturday before Palmerston and the Darwin Buffaloes at 5pm and Waratah and St Mary’s at 7.30pm.

Southern Districts hosts Wanderers at Fred’s Pass in a rare Saturday afternoon matchup.