Ep #1: Erin Clark / Resilience, Redemption, and Finding Strength Off the Field

Описание: In this episode of Find Your Front, we sit down with Erin Clark — a South Auckland boy who turned early challenges into lessons of resilience. Erin opens up about his upbringing in Rewa, the safe haven his family created, and the pressures of being the son of a Silver Fern. He reflects on debuting for the Warriors at just 19, nearly losing it all through ego and distractions, and the tough road back through local footy before reigniting his career with the Gold Coast Titans. Now back home and representing the Kiwis, Erin shares candid insights on growth, family, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. His story is a powerful reminder that true strength is found not just on the field, but in the choices you make off it.

Chapters

00:01:17 – Roots in South Auckland – Erin shares his upbringing in Rewa and Manurewa, his family background, and being surrounded by sport from a young age.
00:03:35 – Childhood Heroes – A touching story of his 8th birthday where Ali presented his cake, and years later Erin played alongside him.
00:04:24 – The Safe Haven at Home – How his mum and nana kept him grounded and protected from outside pressures by building love and safety at home.
00:10:20 – First Big Opportunity & Struggles – At 16, Erin was invited to join Parramatta but wasn’t ready to leave home, sharing the emotional toll and culture shock.
00:19:41 – Ego, Temptations, and Pressure – Balancing early success, social life, and ego while trying to establish himself as a professional.
00:21:19 – Warriors Debut at 19 – Erin fulfills his goal of debuting for the Warriors, but soon faces the reality of balancing success and discipline.
00:24:11 – Losing It All – Candid reflections on personal struggles, losing his partner temporarily, and almost giving up footy.
00:29:40 – Rebuilding Through Local Footy – Returning to Rewa, rediscovering love for the game, and finding the right people who gave him another chance.
00:36:52 – Gold Coast Titans Journey – The move to Australia, challenges of living away from home again, and lessons learned on and off the field.
00:45:18 – Coming Home & Kiwis Selection – The decision to return to New Zealand, driven by family and growth, culminating in his selection for the Kiwis.
00:56:44 – Final Reflections – Erin’s advice on valuing real people, avoiding temptations, and focusing on family as the true anchor.