Darntye says he's the eldest of six and the family live in Patea.
"I have two sisters and three brothers. My little brothers all play rugby too.''
Though he has featured prominently in the Patea Rugby Club, Darntye said going to stay with his grandparents in Auckland over the school holidays really kicked his league career off.
"My grandparents are Niuean so I played for the local Niuean team when I was up there. It was just for fun but then I was chosen to play for Niue in The Pasifika Youth Cup tournament ... it was so great wearing the Niuean jersey."
Darntye said it wasn't so much the just footballing opportunity that was exciting.
"It was like all of us players had the chance to learn about the different cultures and have a greater connection with other nations."
A news story had said the Pasifika Youth Cup helped to harness the excitement and pride which can help the development of the game in this country and the Pacific.
"We are committed to working with the organisations to make this an important fixture in the rugby league calendar."
It was a huge time for Darntye but his mind now needs to be focused on schoolwork and his NCEA exams, he said.
Even arriving home from school each day doesn't mean a snack and putting his feet up.
"As soon as I get home I do my half-an-hour workout of push ups and stuff then I go out for my run.''
He runs about 10 km a day.
"I love running along by the sea and the bush and running through town too.''
He even turns up at school at 7.30am each morning for the Morning Fitness session organised by the school.
"It's a good way to start the day. Everyone does it, teachers, students and people from the community. It's free - we're pretty lucky.''
His plan for the future is to pass all his NCEA levels and maybe get a job in construction.
Ideally though his dream is to make it as a professional rugby league player, he said.
"That is really what I'd love the most.''
According to Ms Ngarewa Darntye has everything it takes to succeed.
"He has a wonderful attitude and he is a huge talent. We are very proud of him.''