Tributes have flowed for renowned Wests Tigers coach Alex Clarke, who lost his battle with brain cancer this week.
The NRL side released a statement on Wednesday, passing on their condolences to Clarke’s family.
Clarke was Senior Athletic Performance Coach for the club.
‘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 statement 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.
‘Our thoughts are with Clarkey’s family and friends during this difficult time.’
Alex Clarke (right) has died after battling a rare brain cancer
Clarke worked with both individual athletes including Olympic gold medallists and world champions as well as six professional football teams
Clarke spent more than 20 years in elite sport.
Along with Wests, he worked with St George, Cronulla, AFL clubs Hawthorn, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as the Victorian Institute of Sport and the Chinese track and field Olympic team.
He was also the High Performance Manager for the Fiji rugby league team.
The Fiji team released a statement saying it was ‘deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Clarke, Fiji Bati High Performance Coach’.
‘Alex was a dedicated professional whose passion, knowledge, and commitment to excellence greatly contributed to the growth and performance of our national program,’ the statement read.
‘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 premiership winner with the Brisbane Lions, Jonathan Brown, said Clarke had a huge impact on his career.
‘Alex was instrumental in preparing me for the rigours of AFL football,’ Brown said.
Former Brisbane Lions champion Johnathan Brown said Clarke was influential during his career which included three premierships
Wests Tigers fans on social media called on the club to pay tribute to Clarke throughout the 2026 season.
‘I think the club should have his name on our jerseys this year,’ one fan wrote.
‘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,’ another said.
Tigers star Taylan May paid tribute to Clarke on Instagram, posting a photo with a black-heart emoji.
