Eagle Vale St Andrews and Wests Tigers junior snapped up by Melbourne Storm on three-year deal

In the growing battle for elite junior rugby league talent, the Wests Tigers have lost one of their own in a surprise raid by an interstate rival just days after another cracked the NRL.

Cooper Clarke signs with the Melbourne Storm.

It’s been a big week for two of Macarthur rugby league’s rising young stars.

On Saturday night, 18-year-old East Campbelltown junior Tallyn Da Silva debuted for Wests Tigers in their defeat to the Melbourne Storm at Campbelltown Stadium.

Then days later, the Storm struck again. Only this time to announce the signing of Tigers pathway player Cooper Clarke to a three-year deal.

Still only 16, the Eagle Vale St Andrews prop and older brother Zak have been part of the Wests’ development program for several seasons.

Juniors on the move: (L-R) Tallyn Da Silva on NRL debut for Wests Tigers, and Cooper Clarke signs with Melbourne Storm.

But with youngsters like Cooper on the rise amid Macarthur’s rapidly expanding footprint, the Tigers’ task of retaining the best continues to intensify.

Lombardi Sports player manager and director Luke Lombardi is witnessing the transition first hand.

“I manage both the Clarke boys and we dealt with Melbourne pathways co-ordinator Tim Glasby,” said Lombardi.

“From my understanding Melbourne has talent scouts across the country, and they approached me after seeing Cooper play for Wests in the Harold Matts.

“From there we had discussions and because Copper was unsigned it worked out well.”

(L-R) Cooper and Zak Clarke for Wests Magpies, NSWRL junior reps. Picture: Supplied.

According to Lombardi the Storm’s approach came with a touch of good fortune.

“Originally we spoke to Tigers recruitment manager Warren McDonnell but then he left,” he said.

“The Tigers had good intentions, but in the transition the Storm deal advanced and that’s when Cooper made up his mind.

“He had no intention of leaving, but when a successful club like the Storm comes knocking with a genuine pathway to the NRL you have to take notice.”

Signed for three years, Cooper’s journey towards the NRL kicks off next year in Queensland where he’ll join the Storm feeder system while completing his schooling on the Sunshine Coast.

Cooper Clarke in action for school team St Gregory's College Campbelltown. Picture: Supplied.

“He sat down with his family and then we discussed the pros and cons of the move,” Lombardi said.

“It’s not going to be easy, but Melbourne isn’t in the market to stockpile talent, they might recruit a handful of kids Cooper’s age once a year, so the interest is genuine.

“From 2025 he’ll relocate to Melbourne and continue with the Storm junior reps, then at year's end he’ll join the NRL squad for pre-season training.”

Down the track, Lombardi believes the Macarthur area will only continue to attract the attention of NRL clubs.

“It’s not just the Storm. I think in general there’s scope for clubs to broaden their horizon and obviously local juniors are important, and at the moment, the Campbelltown area is producing a lot of quality youngsters.”