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Darwin Brothers expecting big test against Nightcliff Dragons in round 14

Darwin Brothers know they have a test ahead of them when they face Nightcliff Dragons in round 14 of the NRL NT premiership.

Daniel Warren makes his return to the Darwin Brothers line up against Nightcliff Dragons. Photograph: Che Chorley
Daniel Warren makes his return to the Darwin Brothers line up against Nightcliff Dragons. Photograph: Che Chorley

DARWIN Brothers will get to know how they stack up heading into finals when they face off against Nightcliff Dragons in round 14 of the NRL NT A-grade premiership.

It’s been an up and down couple of rounds for the Brethren who suffered a 44-6 beating against Palmerston in round 12 before bouncing back to beat second placed Sharks 24-20.

It was their effort and intensity in defence that won the day against the Sharks and that’s exactly what coach Leon Cleal wants to see more of in the lead up to finals.

“I was happy with the enthusiasm and intensity that they showed particularly in defence,” Cleal said.

“Their defensive efforts were immense particularly for the first 20 minutes of the second half where we were stuck in our half of the field.

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“Securing finals has allowed the side to relax a little more but that’s not something I have to usually worry about with this side.

“We’re a family club and at the end of the day for them it’s a chance to play with their mates. They always give their all.”

Nightcliff will be without big winger Clint Chettle who is serving a one week suspension for an alleged bite.

However, they still have plenty of firepower in their stocks with Robbie Butcher, Matt Woolmington and Brent Crisp bringing the creativity and direction.

For Brothers Daniel Warren makes his return after an extended injury absence and will be sure to make his mark leading into finals.

And Brethren junior Anthony Alley makes his debut becoming Brothers’ 47th A-grade player for the season, with injuries forcing plenty of changes in the squad.

Nick Yarran has been a revelation at hooker in Warren’s absence scoring five tries from three games and will still be a go to for the side.

“Nightcliff have been the benchmark for the year,” Cleal said.

“They’ve been strong all season and have beaten us handily both times they’ve faced us. We’ve hung with them for 50 minutes but let ourselves down in 15-20 minute periods.

“For us we need to get better at our ball and field control. We’re only a small side and if we let other sides push us off the ball they will wear us down.

“But our side know what they have to do. We need at least 50 percent of the ball and if we can manage that we can win or be competitive against any side.”

Meanwhile, Northern Sharks will look to consolidate second place when they face South Darwin while Litchfield Bears will be looking to get a win over Palmerston Raiders.

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/darwin-brothers-expecting-big-test-against-nightcliff-dragons-in-round-14/news-story/efd67d51cb03c86ca72a3acbea30f4e3