Joe Clarke passes away

[Nevcost]

In the Courier Mail today

Young Footballer Tradgedy

The Brisbane Broncos were in shock yesterday after hearing a former teammate committed suicide. Wynnum Manly and former Brisbane and North Queensland forward Joe Clarke, 21 took his own life on Friday night. The Junior Kiwi had three years with the Broncos before joining North Queensland. After six months with the Cowboys Young Guns he returned to Brisbane in May to play for Wynnum.

I don't remember seeing him play but condolences go out to all his friends and family. A young player who seemed to have potential and died too soon.

 

[gcbronco]

Broncos wore armbands for him in last nights game as a sign of respect for the onetime teammate, RIP Clarke you will be missed.

 

[Big Pete]

Geez what a tragic week.

RIP Clarke! At one time he was being talked up as the next Tallis, it's a shame he didn't keep at it because I thought one day he would certainly be a fixture in our side.

Again, RIP Clarke and my condolences to those affected by his death.

 

[gunnamatta bay]

Sounds like he has had a few injury problems

http://www.qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=608




TOOWOOMBA v WYNNUM, Clive Berghofer Stadium, Saturday 4.45pm, July 9.

THE wrestle for fifth spot goes to high altitude this week when two of the most physical teams in the competition stand toe-to-toe.

Fresh from a rugged hit-out against Redcliffe, Wynnum travels to Toowoomba to take on a Clydesdales side boosted by the Brisbane Broncos having the bye this week.

Coinciding with the Big Brother eviction of his spitting image, winger Steve ‘Shearer’ Michaels will return from several weeks with the Broncos keen to build on his try-scoring tally. Michaels has 10 tries in the Wizard Cup this year and two more in the NRL.

Backrower Nick Kenny comes back after making his debut for the Broncos, while Joe Clarke has been selected on the bench following a battle with ankle injuries.

An intriguing battle looms up front between a former Origin hardman in Craig Greenhill and a strong prospect for the future in Sam Thaiday. Opposing backrowers Neville Costigan and John Bruce are not known for taking a backward step either.

Both clubs will be happy to have their Queensland Residents back, namely Damien Quinn and Jim Ahmat for Wynnum and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs for Toowoomba.

A combined total of 20 players with National Rugby League experience will be on display in match that will decide fifth place this week, provided Tweed Heads also loses to Burleigh.

Clayton Sharpe will control the match at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

TOOWOOMBA: Nick Parfitt, Steve Michaels, Greg Eastwood, Michael Bond, Tony Duggan, Stuart Kelly, Berrick Barnes, Sam Thaiday, Michael Ryan, Anthony Seibold, Nick Kenny, Neville Costigan, Neale Wyatt. Interchange: Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Ian Lacey, Joe Clarke, Tame Tupou.

WYNNUM: Daniel Sorbello, Simon Phillips, Jimmy Ahmat, Damien Quinn, Michael Rose, Nathan Murphy, Jace Van Dijk ©, Danny McAllister, Royce Simms, Craig Greenhill, Gary Winter, Gareth Turton, John Bruce. Interchange: Peter Penaia, Clayton Maher, Darren Bain, Brett McPherson.

 

[Iafeta]

That is extremely sad. I know reading about him in one of the NZRL Almanacs that they had a lot of wraps on the kid - I believe he was from Canterbury.

 

[Corbin]

Tragic news, RIP Joe Clarke.

 

[badav]

Shocking news. He was a regular in the clydesdales last year before the young guns snapped him up.

 

[girvie]

RIP

JOE CLARKE
18/07/1985
190cm
100kg
Back Row
Addington, Christchurch Easts (NZ) Jnr
Professional Footballer
New Zealand Eligible

 

[axl rose]

Geez what a tragic week.

RIP Clarke! At one time he was being talked up as the next Tallis,

Unfortunately those sort of ridiculous expectations are put on many players. Awful news.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Really puts into perspective what a nothing incident the SBW thing and other 'offences' are

RIP Clarke

 

[hineyrulz]

Gee that's shocking news

RIP Clarke

 

[Bobby DIGital]

This is extremely sad. I remember hearing about him too. He was still only young and could of made it in the NRL eventually.

I don't know the circumstances which caused Joe to take his own life, but there needs to be some counselling put in place for these kids who get cut by clubs and don't quite make it.

 

[Iafeta]

I agree, not only counselling, but career management. I think all youngsters who sign a contract should be assisted financially and time wise to get tertiary education. At least that way if they don't make it, there's more openings for them.

It's such a shame though, he was a Junior Kiwis international who was rated extremely highly.

 

[RHYTHM AND STEALTH]

Farkin tragic news

I know his step mother. Deepest sympothies to her and their family. A couple of years ago Joes brother also committed suicide

R.I.P Joe

 

[Bomber]

Terrible news. Parents should not have to bury their children.

Condolences to Joe's family.

 

[Tonearm Terrorwrist]

can't say i ever heard of him but this is very sad, RIP and condolences to family friends and team mates

 

[TITAN1]

A terrible tragedy,not just for league but life in general.
Its horrific to think that something like this could happen to someone so young.
Hopefully hes at peace now.

 

[ocko]

never heard of him- did he ever play first grade?

condolences

 

[Engine]

I've never heard of him either. Very sad. Rest in peace.

 

[Hatzy]

I'm a very good friend of his step brother. Absolutely shocking news for him and his family. His funeral is tomorrow.

My condolences goes out to the family during such a tough time.

RIP.