Tough defender Ryan Nyhuis is poised to wear the yellow and black of Nightcliff again

More good news for reigning NTFL premier Nightcliff this week with tough as nails defender Ryan Nyhuis committing to the NTFL Tigers for the rest of the 2020-21 season

Ryan Nyhuis shows his strength and discipline in this encounter with Adelaide Crow Eddie Betts in a 2018 game at Perth’s Optus Stadium. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images.

FORMER Fremantle defender Ryan Nyhuis will line up with his junior club Nightcliff in the post Christmas NTFL season.

The Tigers’ dual premiership coach Chris Baksh has confirmed 24-year-old Nyhuis is returning to the beachside club after an exchange of text messages with the close checking backman on Tuesday.

The move to Nightcliff could also end Nyhuis’ WAFL career with Claremont after he played an important role in the Perth Tigers finishing runners-up to Ben Rioli’s South Fremantle in the 2020 season.

Asked if the tough defender would play against Southern Districts in Saturday night’s last match before the Christmas break, Baksh pointed to the first game in the New Year as Nyhuis’ likely return to Nightcliff.

“Ryan’s just texted me to let me know he’s coming home to Nightcliff and I reckon after the New Year when we play the Buffaloes is the right time for him,’’ Baksh said.

“It will be great to have Ryan back in the side, he will add leadership, discipline and a strong work ethic to what is already a very good defensive line.’’

A product of the Nightcliff junior program and Territory Thunder’s flirtation with the now defunct Brisbane based NEAFL competition, Nyhuis was unlucky to play only 12 games in three seasons with Fremantle.

He made his 2017 debut game against North Melbourne one to remember by booting four goals in a rare trip to the forward line, including the last two goals of the match to seal a memorable comeback win for the then Ross Lyon coached Dockers.

Nyhuis’ work with established Nightcliff defenders Nathan Brown, Daniel Bowles, Kaine Riley and Jonathan Peris wil be worth the admittance fee alone.

Capable of taking a pack mark or working off his opponent to gain possession of the ball, Nyhuis’ immaculate disposal by hand or foot will mean a mountain of possession for ball getters Brodie Filo, Dominic Brew, Cameron Ilett and Phillip Wills.