The ultimate team player, Clarke's value was best illustrated by his absence during the second half of 2006 when a shoulder reconstruction brought an early end to his season. A specialist hooker who is generally used as the Wolves starting no.9 because of his capacity for hitting hard in the early part of the game, Clarke is often used to high effect in the back row. A very good marker tackler who was the most effective tackler in the league in 2004 with a 99% tackle success rate, Clarke is also an excellent support player. Represented Great Britain Academy whilst coming through the junior ranks at Wigan, he played in their 1997 Premiership Final winning side against St Helens. Followed his ex Wigan coach John Monie to London Broncos in 2000, but returned north during the 2001 season when the Wolves were forced to sign a hooker on loan to solve an injury crisis. Made an instant impact with some courageous performances against top sides to earn a permanent deal at the club, and has grown into a stalwart of Paul Cullen's Wolves. He used the time undergoing rehabilitation from his shoulder operation to have a second operation on a troublesome groin which had undergone surgery before the 2006 season, and should be fully repaired in time for the 2007 campaign.