The rugby league world is in mourning this week following the tragic passing of respected Wests Tigers coach Alex Clarke, who has lost his courageous battle with a rare form of brain cancer. The NRL club confirmed the devastating news in an official statement released on Wednesday, expressing profound sorrow and extending heartfelt condolences to Clarke's grieving family.
A Devoted Coach and Family Man
The Wests Tigers' statement paid tribute to Clarke, describing him as a much-loved Athletic Performance Coach who remained passionately dedicated to his work throughout his illness. 'The Wests Tigers would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Clarke family following the passing of much loved Athletic Performance Coach, Alex,' the club's announcement read. 'A devoted husband and father, Clarkey bravely fought a rare brain tumour since his diagnosis in 2024. Throughout his cancer battle, Clarkey's passion for his work never wavered, guiding Wests Tigers players through the 2024 and 2025 seasons.'
An Illustrious Career Across Multiple Sports
Alex Clarke's professional legacy extends far beyond his recent role with the Wests Tigers, encompassing more than two decades of elite sporting experience across multiple codes and continents. His remarkable career included:
- Working with six professional football teams including St George and Cronulla in the NRL
- Significant contributions to AFL clubs Hawthorn, Melbourne, and Brisbane Lions
- High Performance Manager roles with the Fiji rugby league national team
- Positions at the Victorian Institute of Sport
- Consultancy work with the Chinese track and field Olympic team
Clarke's expertise wasn't limited to team sports either - he worked extensively with individual athletes including Olympic gold medallists and world champions, demonstrating his versatile coaching abilities across different sporting disciplines.
Tributes from Across the Sporting World
The Fiji national rugby league team released their own emotional statement, expressing how 'deeply saddened' they were by Clarke's passing. Their tribute highlighted his professional dedication, noting that 'Alex was a dedicated professional whose passion, knowledge, and commitment to excellence greatly contributed to the growth and performance of our national program. His work with the Fiji Bati helped shape athletes on and off the field, and his legacy will continue to live through the lives he impacted.'
Three-time AFL premiership winner Jonathan Brown offered personal testimony about Clarke's influence, stating: 'Alex was instrumental in preparing me for the rigours of AFL football.' This endorsement from a champion athlete underscores the significant impact Clarke had on individual careers throughout his extensive coaching tenure.
Fan Tributes and Club Recognition Calls
Wests Tigers supporters have taken to social media to express their grief and call for appropriate tributes throughout the upcoming 2026 season. One passionate fan suggested: 'I think the club should have his name on our jerseys this year,' while another shared a more personal connection: 'Deeply saddened to hear. Alex was a great human and very helpful to my son with his programs. Our thoughts go out to his wife and family and those also affected with his loss.'
Current Tigers star Taylan May joined the outpouring of respect, posting a tribute on Instagram featuring a photograph accompanied by a black-heart emoji - a simple yet powerful gesture reflecting the deep affection Clarke inspired within the playing group.
The sporting community now faces the difficult task of mourning a figure whose influence spanned multiple codes and continents, while celebrating a legacy of excellence that touched countless athletes across more than twenty years of dedicated service to elite sport.
