28 Jan 2025

Titan tormentors return as Warriors

3:24 pm on 28 January 2025
Tanah Boyd playing for the Titans in 2022.

Tanah Boyd playing for the Titans in 2022. Photo: photosport

Mount Smart has always been a happy hunting ground for Tanah Boyd.

In 2017, the halfback was part of the Australian Schools side which defeated New Zealand in two tests.

Five years later, he would slot the winning field goal in golden point against the Warriors to defeat the hosts 27-26.

And just last year, Boyd scored a crucial try, while kicking seven points to again break home fan's hearts.

However, the next time Boyd runs out on Mount Smart, he will do so as a Warrior.

The former Titan is sure not to mention his past winning exploits in Auckland around his new team-mates.

"They get a bit upset so I try not to bring it up," he joked.

"I've had some good success here, every time I've played here I seemed to play well. It's a pretty special place to me so hopefully it all turns out well."

With the retirement of one of the club's biggest ever names, Boyd is adamant that he is not here to replace Shaun Johnson.

"I don't think you can ever replace Shaun, He was a pretty special player and ill just focus on my strengths, and what I can bring to the team. That's the same with all the halves, we all have different strengths. We're a pretty tight little spine."

It has not taken long for Boyd to get a taste of the passionate Warriors fans bring.

Walking around you get a bit of the 'up the wahs', it's pretty cool, I just can't wait to play here."

Boyd is not the only former Titan to shift across the Tasman this season.

He is joined by Erin Clark who left the Warriors in 2017 for the Gold Coast.

"Just happy to be home , I got a couple kids now so bring them home, it's pretty special for me. The club here from when I was here before has changed heaps and Webby's building something great here, so I'm happy to be a part of it and can't wait to see what we do this year."

Erin Clark of the Titans celebrates on full-time during the round eight NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast Titans.

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

Clark made just one appearance for the club before moving on, and admits he was not yet mature enough for first grade.

"I feel like I've got a better head on my shoulders. Back then I was quite young, arrogant and did a bit of growing up when I was overseas and came back and feel like I'm a better person."

The move paid dividends for Clark, who went on to make 94 appearances for the Titans while making his Kiwis debut last year.

"I think that self-confidence, that's what I lacked early in my career, I didn't value myself I just try and tell myself I'm good enough to be where I am and that kind of drives me to be better."

As far as where he will slot into the Warriors' make-up, the utility has no preferred position.

"I'll play anywhere from one to 17. As long as I do my part for the team. If I'm not playing as long as I can prepare them for the weekend, that's my job done."

Clark said not only has he personally matured, but the club has also done significant growing since he departed nine years ago.

"It's a tight knit group, that comes back to the culture they're building. Everyone's in the same group. It's 'we are all one' and we here for the same goal."

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs

We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.