Club Perspective: Introducing Jon Clarke
Jon Clarke, the new Manly Head of Performance, has a distinguished background as a player and a strength and conditioning coach.
In the English Super League, Clarke participated in 355 games for the Wigan, London Broncos, Warrington Wolves, and Widnes teams. With Wigan, he was the 1997 Premiership winner.
In addition, he represented Great Britain in two Test matches and led Warrington to victory in the 2010 Challenge Cup.
Following his retirement, Clarke worked as a strength and conditioning coach at Widnes. He later returned to Warrington as Head of Performance and joined England Rugby for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2021 as well as the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
We had a seat with “JC” to hear more about his interesting past.
Which of your playing career’s top memories stand out to you? You made your Wigan debut in 1997?You think back on your club debuts all the time.
In 1997 I was a member of a fantastic Wigan team that had players such as Jason Robinson and Andy Farrell.
In 1999, I won a Super League title, participated in a Challenge Cup final, and played two Test matches for Great Britain. They consistently stand out.
“You think back on your club debuts all the time. In 1997 I was a member of a fantastic Wigan team that had players such as Jason Robinson and Andy Farrell.
In 1999, I won a Super League title, participated in a Challenge Cup final, and played two Test matches for Great Britain. They consistently stand out.
When did you first meet Anthony Seibold, the head coach of Manly, and Tony Mestrov, the CEO?
When I was seventeen or eighteen, Tony came to Wigan in 1998. He was a fantastic addition to Wigan’s front row. It was under Coach John Monie that he played so effectively.
When I moved to Manly, there was already a relationship there because we both later joined the London Broncos.
That was my first encounter with “Seibs” at the London Broncos. There, we spent a year. He was in the front row.
After a few years apart, we crossed paths again when “Seibs” began working for England Rugby, where I had been living.
We experimented with a new sport in union and really enjoyed it. Then, “Seibs” was appointed Manly’s head coach for 2023.
We had a brief conversation concerning my visit. It has always been my goal to try my hand at the NRL. I was never given the opportunity to do this as a player, so this was an amazing occasion.
At Warrington, you also had an excellent relationship with Chris Hicks, the winger for Manly?
“I thought this person is going to be extraordinary after learning about this character, Chris Hicks, who was coming here, and how he had given himself the nickname “Spider.”
We got along well right away and enjoyed a few fantastic seasons together. In our victory in the Challenge Cup final, he scored three goals.
That day, he was amazing. He matched any winger I have played with in terms of finishing and scoring tries. He was excellent for the “Spider” and for us off the field as well. incredibly fun.
What about “Seibs” as a head coach appeals to you?
His attention to detail in his coaching makes it clear that he is someone you want to be around. I enjoy specifics, and “Seibs” is really thorough. I believe it’s just a natural connection he makes with the guys.
In an effort to try and support it, he brings in assistant coaches from a variety of coaching backgrounds since he understands and connects with them. I simply adore the manner in which “Seibs” does business.
He has a great sense of timing and is able to persuade players of our goals with only a few words and some images. Gamers frequently discuss their clarity.
To date, I believe we have done a really good job of illustrating how we want to play. That ultimately boils down to the head coach.
Every club needs a few well-developed, charismatic characters. So far, who has impressed you the most?
Moreover, Ray (Tuaimalo Vaega) comes to mind. He is outstanding. He may not be aware of his own talent. He is incredibly talented.
And he finds it difficult to train. He returned in excellent form and threw himself into training. It’s just that I enjoy his approach.
He is constantly attracted to me. What is this, and why are we doing it? I adore that. They have both done a fantastic job of enhancing the group.
How has it been for you, as a former hooker, to work with Mick Ennis?
“As I watch Mick coach, I appreciate the attention to detail and the ideals he is attempting to instill in the players.
His work with the nines and halves, as well as getting the forwards to get on to the ball properly, will be really helpful because of his extensive experience around the ruck. He is also a character.
Working with someone with such talent must thrill you?
It’s Tom Trbojevic who wins. I adore how fiercely he pursues everything. Whatever we do in training, he wants it done correctly.
He has incredible movement and timing when he gets to the ball. Luke Brooks is a true menace on the ball, as you can see from the way he trains. I adore how ready he is to take the line on, especially for a guy his size.
He will be really beneficial to us. Daly is just a champion, that’s all. His track record as a leader and player is unquestionable.
Based on what I saw of the previous season, Lachie Croker was a huge success. Every week, he was among Manly’s top three to four players.
