The Recent Zealand Warriors have secured the long-term future of their engine room, confirming that the club will re-sign lock Erin Clark on a deal extending through the end of the 2029 NRL season. The move provides critical stability to a forward pack that has become the backbone of the team’s current success, ensuring one of their most consistent performers remains in Auckland for the next several years.
Clark’s ascent within the squad has been a study in resilience and timing. After stepping into the demanding number 13 role following the departures of veteran Tohu Harris and Dylan Walker last year, Clark didn’t just fill a gap—he became a focal point of the Warriors’ tactical structure. His ability to manage the ruck and provide a relentless work rate has been instrumental in the team’s recent form.
The long-term commitment comes at a time of significant transition for the club. While the Warriors are currently enjoying a strong run, sitting third on the NRL ladder with a 4-2 record, the roster is facing a looming exodus of veteran leadership. By locking down Clark, the front office is hedging against the loss of experience and building a core of homegrown and returning talent.
“When we lost Tohu Harris and then Dylan Walker last year, Erin stepped straight in to fill the role at 13,” the club noted, emphasizing the seamless transition. “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.”
A journey of return and redemption
For Clark, the 2029 extension is the culmination of a circular journey. His history with the Warriors began in 2017 as a teenager, but that first stint was brief, consisting of a single appearance before he sought opportunities elsewhere to refine his game. It was a period of growth that eventually led him to the Gold Coast Titans in 2020, where he finally found his footing in the professional ranks, amassing 94 appearances and establishing himself as a reliable defensive presence.
Yet, the pull of home proved stronger than the stability of the Gold Coast. The move back to New Zealand was driven by more than just professional ambition; it was a family reunion. Clark’s return coincided with that of his mother, former Silver Fern Temepara Bailey, who transitioned from the Titans’ netball environment to take up a coaching role with the Northern Stars. This alignment of family and career provided the emotional foundation for Clark to excel upon his return to the Warriors.
The impact of that stability is evident on the field. Clark has played in all six games so far this season, proving to be an indispensable part of a rotation that has kept the Warriors in the top four. His evolution from a teenage debutant to a long-term cornerstone of the franchise highlights the club’s current strategy of valuing proven NRL experience combined with a deep connection to the region.
Mapping the Warriors’ roster stability
The decision to tie Clark to the club until 2029 is part of a broader effort to “future-proof” the squad. He joins a small but elite group of players who are now locked in for the long haul. This strategic layering of contracts allows the coaching staff to build a consistent culture around a core group of players who will grow together over the next half-decade.
| Player | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Erin Clark | Lock | Re-signed |
| Leka Halasima | Forward | Secured |
| Jacob Laban | Forward | Secured |
| Will Warbrick | Winger | Joining Next Season |
While the long-term deals for Clark, Halasima, Laban, and the incoming Will Warbrick provide a safety net, the club is still navigating a precarious period regarding its remaining veterans. The end of the current season will see the departure of key figures including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Barnett, and Niukore. Their exits depart a void in leadership and on-field chemistry that the club must address quickly.
The remaining puzzle pieces
With several high-profile departures confirmed, the focus now shifts to the five remaining players whose futures are still undecided. These players represent the final pieces of the puzzle for the 2025 and 2026 campaign planning. The club’s ability to retain these assets will determine whether the current momentum can be sustained into the next cycle.
The players currently off-contract include:
- Chanel Harris-Tavita (Halfback)
- Tanah Boyd (Halfback)
- Kurt Capewell (Second Row)
- Rocco Berry (Centre)
- Te Maire Martin (Utility)
The retention of the halves duo, Harris-Tavita and Boyd, is particularly critical. In the modern NRL game, the synergy between the lock and the halves is what defines a team’s attacking flow. By securing Clark, the Warriors have ensured that whoever is steering the ship in the coming years will have a reliable, hardworking anchor at number 13 to rely upon.
As the season progresses and the pressure of the finals race intensifies, the Warriors will likely gaze to resolve these remaining contract situations. The next official checkpoint for the club’s roster movements will be the post-season review and the subsequent announcement of the 2025 squad list.
We wish to hear from you. Do you think the Warriors have done enough to secure their core for the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
