The NT News looks at how the six NRL NT sides are shaping up ahead of the 2021 season
THE NRL NT sides are gearing up for the 2021 edition of the A-grade competition. The NT News looks at how the six sides are shaping up ahead of the season here:
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THE NRL NT sides are gearing up for another strong season with the 2021 edition of the A-grade competition set to kick off this weekend.
Darwin Brothers emerged victorious in 2020 but can they defend their title against the chasing pack?
Key recruitments and player movements have defined the preseason while the change of rugby union season has added to player numbers across the competition.
The NT News looks at how the six NRL NT clubs are shaping up ahead of the upcoming season.
DARWIN BROTHERS
The reigning premiers will be more than up for the challenge once again in 2021 with plenty of their winning side returning for another go. The young side’s coming of age story still resonates through the club and with the combinations and players growing in experience it’s looking like another promising year.
While Brothers haven’t been a side to make massive signings in the off season the Leon Cleal coached side have managed to retain the majority of their young contingent. Among them will be captain Aaron Pollard, established half Thomas Clarke, grand final best and fairest winner Nick Yarran and veteran Leon Rotumah. The return of Drew Tobin (Darwin Dragons rugby union captain) and Cameron Stokes (Darwin Buffaloes coach) will also bolster the Brethren ranks.
LITCHFIELD BEARS
Litchfield have been the side to beat in recent years and for good reason winning in 2018 and 2019 and reaching the final again in 2020. Their combinations and discipline have been the cornerstones of their success. Though this season may hint at a slight changing of the guard with some veterans hanging up the boots and the arrival of new coach Joe Carbone.
Frank Johnson medallist Luke Mahood will once again captain the side and will be pushing his side for another potential title run. And though they will be down a few well known players on previous years their youth contingent will get a chance to step up into the side. Jake Crawley will be chief among the juniors having shown promising signs last year.
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PALMERSTON RAIDERS
Palmerston Raiders will be looking to put a turmultuous end to their 2020 season behind them this year. Former coach and police officer Daniel Keelan is currently serving three months of a suspended 12-month sentence. He was arrested on the eve of Raiders’ all-important preliminary final which they went on the lose.
Replacing Keelan is returning coach Merg Mikaelian ten years on from his 2011 premiership with the club will have the side hoping for a better end of season result. Palmerston have often shown their pedigree through the regular season going undefeated in that period in 2020. However, when it came to finals time the side found themselves in a straight sets exit with little to show for their efforts.
Perhaps the biggest movers when it has come to signings with newcomers from both within the competition and interstate. The biggest inclusion being Tom Murphy from Queensland Cup side Sunshine Coast Falcons. Also joining the Raiders’ ranks are former Nightcliff stalwarts David Paull and 2018 Frank Johnson medallist Ed Murphy as well as Brothers’ half Tyrone Nona.
NIGHTCLIFF DRAGONS
The Dragons are looking to improve on a 2020 season that had its ups and downs. A leaky defence marred Nightcliff’s last campaign though the inclusion of former Canterbury Bulldog Brent Crisp may be the answer. Crisp enters the side as captain and assistant coach and will play a pivotal part in getting the proud side back on track.
Other significant signings for the club include big winger Clint Chettle and forward Adam Hall from Litchfield Bears. Will and Rodney Merritt also come into the side with both carrying playing experience from Sydney. It’s these sort of inclusions as well as a strong youth division that will have given the Dragons some confidence heading into the season.
NORTHERN SHARKS
Sharks have had a rough few years following their premiership wins in 2016 and 2017 but there are signs of promise heading into the 2021 season. The lack of clash with the rugby union will pay dividends for a Sharks hoping to regain their competitive edge. And the continued strong showings from their junior ranks will only bolster those hopes.
Cooper Segeyaro will once again be a key fixture being a standout for Casuarina Cougars in the union season while also making the NRL NT team of the year in 2020. Others returning include captain Jacob Collie and lock Lachie Wright. The veteran duo will enjoy an added competition for spots brought on by their club’s affiliation with union club Palmerston Crocs.
SOUTH DARWIN RABBITOHS
Blowout scores and forfeits have hurt Souths’ reputation in recent years and the side will be hoping to regain some pride in 2021. Performances such as their losing effort in last year’s Chico Motlop Shield match show the Bunnies must look to that game as evidence they have that effort in them.
Hurt by lacking player numbers the club will hope to regain a consistent side this season. Captain Tian Nichols was the ever-present lynchpin of the side in 2020 and it will be players like him that the Rabbitohs must build around in 2021. The move of union season will also aid the club with their union counterparts winning the premiership in March.
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