Erin Clark of the Titans celebrates on full-time during the round eight NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast Titans. Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The Warriors have signed middle forward Erin Clark for three seasons and he returns to Auckland in career-best form.
Clark requested a return to his hometown for compassionate reasons.
The Manurewa Marlins junior is closing in on 100 NRL games after reviving his first-grade career with the Gold Coast Titans.
Clark debuted for the Warriors as a teenager in 2017, making only one appearance, before he left the Auckland-based side mid-season to take up a contract with the Canberra Raiders.
He stepped aside from top level rugby league later that year, returning to Auckland to play local football for two years ahead of making a fresh start with the Titans in 2020.
Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said Clark's signing was a chance for the 27-year-old to reconnect with the Warriors where it all began for him in the under-20s.
"The start of his career didn't pan out the way he planned but he has been so impressive since having a second shot in the NRL," McFadden said.
Used in the halves in his NYC career with the Warriors, Clark made his NRL comeback four years ago at hooker in 10 appearances for the Titans that season.
Since late 2022, he has operated as a middle forward, predominantly from the bench, a role which has seen him in career-best form in 2024, averaging 100 metres and 22 tackles a game.
Clark was part of the Warriors NYC system when head coach Andrew Webster was first involved with the club as an assistant.
"It didn't work out for him initially but the way he has taken his second chance has been outstanding. He has developed into a tough middle forward, durable with a great work ethic, intensity and aggression," Webster said.
"He's going to add real edge to our squad. It'll be exciting having him back home."
Clark finished with 94 matches for the Titans including 84 of a possible 96 games over the last four seasons - and all 24 this year.
He made 45 NYC appearances for the Warriors in 2015, 2016 and 2017 plus 15 New South Wales Cup games in 2016 and 2017.
