Erin Clark struggled with self-belief until he made his way back to the Warriors.
Now, less than two years later, he stands as one of the top locks in the NRL, gearing up for his 50th game with the Warriors and a chance at a dream premiership.
The Auckland native made a single appearance for the Warriors in 2017, followed by a short stint with Canberra and then a two-year break from the game.
During his time away, Clark took low-paying jobs and faced personal challenges before getting a second chance with the Gold Coast in the 2020 NRL season.
His five years with the struggling Titans saw him dismissed as a journeyman, but conversations with the Warriors brought him back home.
After his first chat with coach Andrew Webster, Clark felt a newfound hope for his future with the Kiwi club.
"The first conversation I had with 'Webby', he made me feel wanted," Clark stated. "From that day, if he tells me to do something, I'll do it... I'm trying to do everything."
When injuries led to captain Tohu Harris's retirement during the 2025 pre-season, Clark stepped into the starting lock position at his new team.
His signing proved to be a brilliant move, with the 28-year-old excelling as a key player as the Warriors made a return to the finals last year.
In 2025, he earned the Dally M Lock of the Year award and is set to finish the regular season as the only player to participate in every game for the top-placed Warriors.
Saturday's regular season climax against Manly marks Clark's 50th game for the Warriors, a significant achievement for the forward.
"Not just the games, but I think just what this club's done for me in regards to just me as a man," he shared.
"They've shown belief, faith, and given me confidence in my own ability, which I probably didn't have before coming here."
"They've turned me into a better father, husband, teammate. It's a credit to what they've built here and the type of people they have around the club."
Clark acknowledged co-captains James Fisher-Harris and Mitchell Barnett for helping him grow both on and off the field.
"They saw the potential in me, but it's more having the confidence in myself," he remarked.
"I'm not where I need to be - my wife will back me up on that - but I'm just trying to be a better man in all senses."
The Warriors could clinch their first minor premiership since 2002 if they achieve a larger victory in round 27 than second-placed Penrith.
Nevertheless, Clark is focused on a more significant goal, with the Warriors still seeking their first premiership in their 32nd season.
"I just want to win the GF, bro, whatever steps are along the way," Clark expressed. "The main goal is to get that premiership and bring it home. First or second (on the ladder), it doesn't matter."