Former Queensland Cup player Tom Murphy to add plenty of firepower to Palmerston Raiders ahead of ANZAC Day clash v Darwin Brothers

PALMERSTON Raiders will take an extra edge into their ANZAC Day Eve clash against Darwin Brothers, with Queensland Cup veteran Tom Murphy making his first appearance

Tom Murphy is set to add plenty of firepower to Palmerston Raiders. Photo: Che Chapman

PALMERSTON Raiders will take an extra edge into their ANZAC Day Eve clash against Darwin Brothers, with Queensland Cup veteran Tom Murphy making his first appearance.

Both sides managed wins in their opening rounds, with Raiders bouncing back from a slow first half to beat South Darwin 40-12.

Meanwhile Brothers, despite signs or rustiness, stuck it out to beat Litchfield 38-26.

Murphy carries plenty of highlights from his time in the Queensland Cup, including a losing grand final with Redcliffe Dolphins in 2012, and taking the captaincy at Sunshine Coast Falcons.

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“I have a young family and was looking for a new experience, and so we decided to come and check out the Top End,” Murphy told the NT News.

“I’m excited to step out there as part of this Palmerston side. The team has really surprised me in the experience and skill they have in addition to a number of fresh young blokes stepping up.

“I’ve been really impressed with the club culture here and want to give a big rap to everyone here for all their help with my move.”

Having spent many years in the Queensland Cup has gifted Murphy with plenty of experience. And it’s for that reason that he will also be taking on an assistant coach role under Merg Mikaelian.

And his focus is on the one percenters an ideal he will take on himself when he runs out onto Palmerston’s home field of Goodline Park against reigning premiers Darwin Brothers.

“Merg is a great coach. He sets a high standard and has built a strong culture where players know they have to earn their right to play,” Murphy said.

“The best teams build their game on one percenters and effort players. So it’s that idea of building pressure and dominating pressure particularly in the heat that we will have to keep in mind.

“We’ve had a really big week of training and know that Brothers are the benchmark team in the competition and we would like to see how we go against them.”

Raiders’ president Rodney Greenwood was honoured his club would be hosting the Palmerston RSL ANZAC Day Clash which would see a whole day of activities to commemorate the occasion.

Games will be played from 8am with a minute silence and the national anthem playing before the premier league game.

Palmerston also enjoyed a visit from the Brisbane Broncos this week with players from the NRL side interacting with the club’s juniors.

“It’s great considering that Palmerston has a lot of military families that can come and enjoy a day out,”

“We also have the tomb of the unknown solider setup where people can make a coin donation to the Palmerston RSL.

“We’re expecting great games in all grades particularly in the women’s and prems where we’re facing the premiers in Brothers who you can never take lightly.

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“It was awesome to have the Broncos up. The kids loved having them along and will take a lot from the experience. It was great for the club and the community to have them here.”