Highly Respected Coach Jon Clarke Finds Redemption in the NRL
Jon Clarke’s journey through the world of rugby league has been nothing short of remarkable. The former Great Britain hooker has weathered the highs and lows of the sport, from his time at Wigan Warriors to a stint in prison, before emerging as one of the most respected strength and conditioning coaches in the game.
Clarke’s career took an unexpected turn in 1998 following an incident after the Super League Grand Final, which led to a prison sentence. Undeterred, he rebuilt his life and went on to enjoy 11 stellar years at Warrington Wolves before moving to rivals Widnes Vikings and then embarking on a highly successful career in strength and conditioning.
The 45-year-old’s expertise caught the eye of England rugby union boss Eddie Jones, who brought him into the national setup ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Clarke’s work with the England forwards, instilling a “rugby league mentality” of fitness, strength, and determination, was credited as a key factor in their run to the final.
“I’m absolutely loving it here,” Clarke tells Love Rugby League. “Tony’s my boss at Manly, Seibs is my head coach and Jimmy is our defensive coach. It’s amazing how, over 20 years on, the four of us are now working together at the same club in the NRL.”
As Manly look to put a disappointing 2023 season behind them, Clarke’s expertise will be crucial in instilling the right mindset and physical preparation to help the club challenge for NRL glory. With talents like Daly Cherry-Evans and Haumole Olakau’atu in their ranks, the potential is certainly there for the Sea Eagles to make a significant impact in the coming year.
With a wealth of experience at the highest levels of both rugby codes, Clarke is well-equipped to make his mark in the NRL. His journey has been one of resilience and redemption, and as he embarks on the next chapter of his career in Sydney, the rugby league community will be keen to see what he can achieve.
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