“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
Clark has played in all six games so far this season, where the Warriors have a 4-2 record and sit third on the NRL ladder.
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.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.