Erin Clark is preparing for his first Rugby League World Cup after earning four caps for New Zealand and becoming a two-time Dally M lock of the year.
The 29-year-old says a 2024 Kiwis campaign helped him believe he belonged among the sport's elite.
"The 2024 Kiwis campaign gave me the confidence that I'm good enough to be where I am," Clark said.
He credits the Warriors' support and team culture with helping him reach that level.
"Playing for the Warriors, you get to play for your people at home, where you grew up. The culture they're building there, as a team, we're all connected."
His path to recognition was not straightforward. After making his NRL debut for the Warriors at 19, Clark played for Canberra and the Gold Coast, often appearing from the bench.
When progress seemed uncertain, he kept going to set an example for his children.
"If I'm going to tap out of a hard situation, what am I showing them?" Clark told AAP.
"I hope one day when they see their dad and some of the struggles I've been through, they realise that I never gave up to give them a good life."
Returning to New Zealand changed his career, though Clark once doubted he would represent the country.
"I didn't think a lot of the accolades I've got would ever happen," Clark said. "It was just a dream at the time. It took me a while, but sometimes you've got to take the long road to get to places."
He said the World Cup selection was meaningful for his family and country.
"Obviously, this is the pinnacle of the sport. To be named and to be amongst the best players from the country is special. It's not just special for me, it's special for my family, my wife, my kids and my country."