Casuarina Cougars player Daniel Jarman is being remembered as the ultimate clubman and a star Territory representative

An NT community is mourning the loss of an admired rugby stalwart. The Casuarina Cougars star’s loved ones have shared their moving tributes for the “passionate protector of Country”.

A Casuarina Cougars stalwart and star is being remembered as a man who always made new players feel welcome and “the glue that held the ship together”.

Daniel Jarman, 28, died on August 29 following a battle with mental health issues.

Jarman started playing rugby seriously in the Territory at Under 16 level with South Darwin before finding a home at Cougars.

He represented the NT at the Australian Schools Rugby Union Championship and East Arnhem at the Rugby 7s and Singapore Sevens.

He achieved many individual feats over more than a decade with Casuarina, winning Under 17s and B Grade best and fairest awards, an A Grade Rising Star gong and the Under 18s premiership.

Daniel Jarman died on August 29 at the age of 28 following a battle with mental health issues. Picture: Supplied.

There was also the Docker Bolton prize for the best rookie most likely to play seniors and the Wendy Jarvis Award for club person of the year.

In a statement to the NT News, his family said Jarman’s love for the club was so deep, he recruited and converted his nephew Aidan from league, and cousin Aubree, to the Cougars.

“Daniel had an impact on the people around him and his teammates have lots of fond memories of him being welcoming and a positive presence, on and off the field,” the family said.

“He was part of the ship, part of the crew – the glue that held the ship together.”

Jarman was a huge contributor for Casuarina Cougars, on and off the pitch. Picture: Supplied.

On Facebook this week, Margie Roe said Jarman’s family were “heartbroken and shocked” by the passing of Daniel, otherwise known as DJ, Jarman or Dan, who served the club’s committee.

“We are still coming to terms with the tragic loss of our beautiful proud Wadjigan, Yawuru, Larrakia, Erub Islander, Saltwater Man,” Roe wrote.

“Dan loved his land and sea and was a passionate protector of Country.

Jarman was a long time servant of Casuarina Cougars, winning several individual awards. Picture: Supplied.

“We are celebrating him for his beautiful soul, compassionate heart, being a loving family man, an avid hunter, fisherman, sportsman and bringing warmth and joy into our lives.”

Club president Luigi Andreoli said he was “that guy who was always there”, the first to arrive and the last to leave and his death had left a void that would be difficult to fill.

“It has and still is hard for me to find the right words to show the respect and importance he had in our lives,” Andreoli said.

Jarman in action with the ball against the University Pirates. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

“I have lost a friend but most importantly a brother and it is hard not to come to tears when I think of him.

“He is the epitome of the meaning of club person.”

He said Jarman was usually the first to welcome new players to the club.

“When somebody rocked up to the club, he was the first person to say hello,” Andreoli said of Jarman, who played a variety of roles including flanker and second row.

“He didn’t care who it was, how big they were, how good they were, how strong they were, he went head to head with anyone.

“He was always trying to get the boys to stick around (after games and training).”

That sentiment was backed up by friend Mathew Travers, who said he could remember his first training session with Casuarina vividly, mostly because of Jarman’s generosity.

“Never had a person make me feel so welcome to a rugby club,” Travers wrote online.

Jarman against the Darwin Dragons. Picture Felicity Elliott.

“He had a positive influence on not just our club but (Northern Territory rugby union) as a whole.

“I’ll never forget him wanting me to taste his goose he cooked which was delicious besides the bits of bullets still left in it.”

In a statement on its facebook page, the Cougars said Jarman was a “much loved” player.

“He loved nothing more than hanging with the boys both on and off the field and he was loved by all who knew him,” the club said.

“He quietly battled with depression and anxiety for some time. He is at peace now and his spirit is with his ancestors.”

The family urged anyone enduring mental health struggles to lean on family and medical professionals.

Jarman’s funeral will be held on Friday from 9.30am at the Events Centre in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens.