Less than two years later, Clark is one of the NRL's best locks, preparing for both his 50th Warriors game and a shot at a fairytale premiership.
The Auckland native played one game for the Warriors in 2017, before a brief move to Canberra and then a two-year hiatus from the sport.
Clark took minimum wage jobs and navigated difficulties in his personal life before earning a lifeline with Gold Coast for the 2020 NRL season.
He was roundly dismissed as a journeyman during five years with the underachieving Titans, before conversations with the Warriors lured him home.
From the moment Clark first spoke to coach Andrew Webster, he began to believe things could be different on his second chance with the Kiwi club.
"The first conversation I had with 'Webby', he made me feel wanted," Clark said.
"From that day, if he tells me to do something, I'll do it. I think I'm that person that if you put faith in me, I'll give you everything. That's what I'm trying to do."
When injuries forced captain Tohu Harris into retirement during the 2025 pre-season, Clark was thrust into the starting lock role at his new club.
Clark's arrival proved a recruitment masterstroke, with the 28-year-old shaping as a perfect link man as the Warriors returned to finals last year.
He picked up Dally M Lock of the Year in 2025, and will finish this regular season as the only man to play every game for the first-placed Warriors.
Saturday's regular season finale against Manly also doubles as Clark's 50th Warriors appearance, a meaningful milestone 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 said.
"Obviously the footy side, they've shown belief, faith, 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 credited co-captains James Fisher-Harris and Mitchell Barnett for his growth on and off the field.
"They saw the potential in me, but it's more having the confidence in myself," he said.
"Just seeing how they are as a husband, as a father. I'm not where I need to be - my wife will back me up on that - but I'm definitely just trying to be a better man in all senses."
The Warriors could secure their first minor premiership since 2002 if they score a bigger win in round 27 than second-placed Penrith.
But Clark has is eyes on a bigger prize, with the Warriors still on the hunt for a first premiership in their 32nd season.
"I just want to win the GF, bro, whatever steps are along the way," Clark said.
"The main goal is to get that premiership and bring it home. First or second (on the ladder), it doesn't matter."
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