‘Thriving’ Clark to stay as Warriors lock through to end of the decade

The Warriors have extended lock Erin Clark’s contract until the end of the 2029 NRL season, with the stalwart forward a no-brainer signing for New Zealand after he replaced star skipper Tohu Harris in the No.13 so easily.

Clark had originally been signed to add depth for the Warriors, but when wounded warrior Harris was forced into an early retirement before the 2025 season, the 28-year-old stepped up ⁠— and then some, considering the boom season he went on to enjoy.

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Through 2025, Clark played a pivotal part in the Warriors making the elimination finals (though they were eventually beaten by Penrith). He appeared in all 25 games, averaging 147 running metres and 34 tackles in each match and clocking up 1,451 1451 post-contact metres, as many as 66 tacklebreaks, and 37 offloads.

By all reports, Clark had been very eager to re-sign for as long as possible and has been enjoying his time back in New Zealand. The negotiation period lasted barely three weeks before pens hit paper.

“Erin has absolutely thrived since coming back home,” Warriors recruitment boss Andrew McFadden said after the re-signing. “Being back in New Zealand and at his original club was a huge attraction for him.

“He has shown what it means to him with his outstanding performances and the consistency he is providing every game.”

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Warriors coach Andrew Webster added, “Erin has been exceptional ever since he returned. When we lost Tohu Harris and then Dylan Walker last year, Erin stepped straight in to fill the role at 13. He’s been fantastic, I love what he does for us, and he fits in so well with the boys. The thing is, he has even more to give. He’s a great asset.”

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Clark originally debuted with the Warriors in 2017, but had to join the Gold Coast to find regular first-grade time. He played nearly 100 matches for the Titans, then headed back home last year.

Since returning to New Zealand, Clark has appeared in all 31 matches the Warriors have played since his signing.