Powerhouse prop Laikha Clarke has re-committed her future to the Coast, inking a fresh contract extension to stay a Titan until the end of 2028.
The new deal comes after the 24-year-old’s best season to date, becoming one of the form front rowers in the NRLW to earn her place in this year’s Rugby League Players Association Dream Team – voted by her peers as the prop of the year.
The foundation Titan stood tall in Jess Elliston’s absence, averaging 110 running metres and three tackle busts per game in attack, complementing her gritty defensive attitude that saw an incredible 97% tackle efficiency playing in the middle third.
Clarke’s incredible form will see her represent Samoa in their upcoming maiden Rugby League World Cup campaign with Titans coach Karyn Murphy proud to lock in the Keebra Park alumni ahead of her representative honours.
“Laikha has had an incredible season and it’s a great reward for all her hard work alongside a burst of newfound confidence. She took her opportunity to start in the front row with both hands and hasn’t looked back since,” Murphy said.
“What excites me most is the best years of her career are still to come. This year gave everyone a glimpse of her full potential, now 41 games into her NRLW career.
“We’re committed to helping Laiks continue to grow as a player and further build confidence in her game and she is hungry to continue representing this club with pride – something she has done since the beginning as a foundation player.
“Having players who are invested in what we’re building here is important, and we’re looking forward to having her part of our Titans squad for a further two seasons.”
For Clarke, the extension is about more than just continuing her rugby league career, relishing the opportunity to remain at her hometown club and build on her legacy as a foundation player alongside Georgia Hale, Evania Isa’ako and Jess Elliston.
“Gold Coast has always been home. I’m born and raised here and I’m very glad I can stay home, be around my family and continue my career with the Titans,” Clarke said.
“I’ve still got a lot of growth both on and off the field and I know the Titans will help me to do that.
“It’s very special being an OG of the Titans and remaining a one-club girl. There aren’t many players in our game who are that, so it’s incredibly special to continue that honour.”
