The Warriors have moved swiftly to re-sign star lock Erin Clark through until the end of the 2029 NRL season.
The 28-year-old was initially signed until the end of 2027, but with the Warriors losing veteran forward Mitch Barnett and Marata Niukore at the end of the season, along withthe looming threat of two new franchises entering the competition, the club opted to lock him in for a further two years.
Clark has been a revelation since returning to the Warriors last year, where he stepped up to the starting lock role after the sudden retirement of then captain Tohu Harris and Dylan Walker’s departure to the Parramatta Eels.
There was little fanfare when the deal was confirmed, but Clark quickly turned heads. In 25 games last season, he averaged 147m and 34 tackles a game, was named Lock of the Year at the Dally M awards and was selected for the Rugby League Players Association’s Dream Team.
“Erin has been exceptional ever since he returned,” Warriors coach Andrew Webster said.
“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.”
Clark made his Warriors debut in 2017 as a teenager, making one appearance before leaving to pursue other opportunities. It took time, but he eventually got his breakthrough at the Gold Coast Titans in 2020, where he made 94 appearances.
A desire to return to New Zealand followed, alongside his mother – former Silver Fern Temepara Bailey – who left the Titans’ netball side to coach the Northern Stars.
Erin Clark celebrates his first try for the Warriors. Photo / Photosport
He is one of four players locked down through until the end of 2029, alongside Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban and new recruit Will Warbrick, who will join the side next year.
With Barnett, Niukore and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck all leaving at the end of the season, the Warriors have five players left off contract whose futures are yet to be determined.
They have halves duo Chanel Harris-Tavita and Tanah Boyd, second rower Kurt Capewell, centre Rocco Berry and utility Te Maire Martin.
