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Important update on 1476AMErin Clark inks long-term deal with Warriors
Sport Nation • April 15th, 2026 1:48 pm
Erin Clark | Photo: Photosport
The NZ Warriors have locked in key forward Erin Clark for the long term, securing the in-form loose forward on a two-year extension that will keep him at the club through to the end of the decade.
Now 28, the Manurewa Marlins product returned to Auckland last season after a stint with the Gold Coast Titans, initially signing through to 2027. His latest deal ensures he remains a cornerstone of the Warriors pack well beyond that.
Clark has made a seamless impact since coming home, playing every game since his return and quickly re-establishing himself as a vital figure in the side.
Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said the move back to New Zealand had reignited Clark’s career.
“Coming back to his original club meant a lot to Erin, and you can see that in the way he’s performed week in, week out,” McFadden said. “He’s been incredibly consistent and has really embraced his role within the team.”
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Clark’s resurgence was recognised across the game in 2025, when he claimed the Dally M award for lock of the year and was also voted the top No. 13 in the RLPA Dream Team by his fellow players.
Head coach Andrew Webster praised Clark’s influence, particularly after injuries forced a reshuffle in the middle of the park.
“When we lost Tohu Harris and Dylan Walker, Erin stepped up and made that position his own,” Webster said.
“He’s been outstanding for us — reliable, tough and a great fit within the group. What’s exciting is that there’s still more to come from him.”
Clark’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After debuting for the Warriors in 2017, he had to wait three years for another NRL opportunity, eventually carving out a role with the Titans where he played 94 matches, largely off the bench.
His 2025 campaign marked a career-best return, averaging 147 running metres and 34 tackles per game. He also produced 1451 post-contact metres, along with 66 tackle breaks and 37 offloads — numbers that underlined his growing influence as a starting lock.
Clark carried that form onto the international stage, finishing the year strongly with the Kiwis as they secured the Pacific Championships title, further cementing his status as one of the game’s premier middle forwards.
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