Thomas Clarke named the youngest ever captain for Darwin Brothers at 19 in match against Palmerston Raiders

AT just 19-years-old, centre Thomas Clarke has been named the youngest ever captain for the Darwin Brothers NRL side

Thomas Clarke was named the youngest ever captain for the Darwin Brothers in their match against Palmerston Raiders last week. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

AT just 19 centre Thomas Clarke was named the youngest ever captain for the Darwin Brothers in their match up against Palmerston last week.

The young gun has been a consistent standout for the side in recent seasons and with usual captain Aaron Pollard out injured it was the youngster who was chosen to fill the role.

Making his A-grade debut in 2018 — while still playing in the under-18s — it came as a shock for Clarke to be named captain but he made the most of the occasion.

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“I was pretty shocked to be named only being one of the young fellas coming up from the 18s last year,” Clarke told the NT News.

“With our captain Aaron Pollard out injured coach Leon Cleal came to me and said I was up for the challenge, which I was more than happy to take up.

“And while Pollard may be back this week I look forward to being a leader at the club into the future as that’s something I’ve wanted since joining when I was five or six years old.”

Despite losing 32-14 to the unbeaten Raiders, Clarke – who also plays for the Darwin Buffaloes in the NTFL- felt his side managed a strong team effort which would flow into the rest of the season.

The side has steadily improved over the season handily beating Sharks and Souths after a draw against Nightcliff.

The Brothers next face reigning premiers Litchfield Bears at Fred’s Pass where a tough encounter is expected, though the Darwin side will take some confidence from the close result last time the sides met.

“We’re going well but are still putting it all together. If we get that right we will be red-hot come the end of the season,” Clarke said.

“Guys from under-18s have really stood out such as our full back Isaac Sedan-Kurnoth who has really caught our eye with his electric pace.

“Then there’s Leon Rotumah who brings a lot of experience to the side. He guides the younger players and we all like to call him grandpa.

“We have Litchfield next at their home which is always a good, tough game. They have much bigger bodies than us so we will be looking to use our smarts and speed against them.”

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Brothers match against Litchfield will take place at Weber Park from 7pm on Saturday.