New Western Clydesdales captains ready to lead by example

IN CHARGE: They’ve finalised their playing squads and now the Western Clydesdales have made their biggest decision to date – their new captains. Find out who ‘made the cut’ here.

New Western Clydesdales captains (from left) Mackenzie Zeller, Braithen Scott, Darcy Carswell, Darryn Schonig, Kai Williamson-Duggan and Matt Moore. Picture: Erick Lucero/QRL

LEAGUE: He’s a no-nonsense forward with an ‘old school’ approach to the game.

Darren Schonig doesn’t do the ‘fancy stuff’.

His game is built on tucking the ball under his arm, running hard and working equally as hard in defence.

The 26-year-old is the type of player Western Clydesdales Hostplus Cup coach Jason Alchin loves to build his squads around, but he never expected to be handed the captain’s armband.

“I was not expecting to be named captain,” Schonig said.

“I thought I might be part of the leadership program but it was a massive surprise when Jason (Alchin) came to me and said I would be captain.

“It’s a huge honour to be named captain. The club has been out of the cup for a long time and to be named captain in the first season back is special.”

Schonig brings a wealth of experience to the Clydesdales including a stint with the Melbourne Storm

He said he was initially ‘nervous’ after being named captain, but is growing into the role after receiving the vocal backing of Alchin, club officials and his teammates.

The big forward said he is eager to foster the culture Alchin has already built and will draw on his time with the Storm.

“When you’re around leaders like Cameron Smith, Dale Finucane and Jesse Bromwich you learn a lot,” Schonig said.

“They set a great example as leaders and made sure everyone bought into the club culture.

“They made sure that everyone knew it was important be a leader in their own right.

“I think we (the Clydesdales) have recruited well and everyone in the squad has that same attitude.

“No one in the team considers themselves as more important or bigger than anyone else.

“We already have a great culture among the players. Everyone is working hard and understands we have an important job to do in the club’s first season back.”

Schonig is one of six players handed the captain’s armband with Clydesdales involved in a number of statewide competitions this year.

Club CEO Shane Sullivan said the selection process was exhaustive but essential.

“Darryn is a great example of the type of players we want to captain our sides,” Sullivan said.

“He quickly established himself as a real club man and a great example of that is he immediately set about working with our younger players to pass on the things he learned following his session with Canterbury.

“We wanted players who are leaders on and off the field.

“Players with strength and integrity.

“We charged each of our coaches with identifying players who showed those qualities and made our selections.

“It was important for us as a club to get this decision and we believe we have made the right choices to lead us going forward.”

Other captains: Braithen Scott (Cyril Connell Challenge under-16s), Matt Moore (Mal Meninga Cup U18s), Mackenzie Zeller (Harvey Norman U19 women), Darcy Carswell and Kai Williamson-Duggan (Hastings Deering U21s)