Wests Tigers’ Intrust Super Premiership side will be branded as the Western Suburbs Magpies in 2018 as part of its Macarthur region strategy.

The decision is designed to strengthen the club’s position and continue to cultivate a robust pathways system in the Macarthur region.

The Macarthur region boasts one of the richest pools of rugby league talent in the world. Wests Tigers prides itself on fostering young players from Junior League through to the NRL. This pathway progresses through Development Squads, Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams, Under 20s, Ron Massey Cup and Intrust Super Premiership.

The 2018 ISP coaching squad is also world class - and home grown. Life Member Brett Hodgson is returning to Australia as the 2018 NRL Assistant Coach, and Head Coach of the Intrust Super Premiership team.

“I am absolutely thrilled to come back home to where I started playing,” said Hodgson. “It’s a great opportunity to come back to a club that is clearly on the improve both on and off the field. I’m looking forward to developing as a coach and working under Ivan.”

The Western Suburbs Magpies will play several 2018 home games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium which will also include Wests Tigers NRL game days.

The Western Suburbs Magpies have been inherent to the Macarthur region since 1987 and Wests Tigers involvement in the region stems almost two decades.

Wests Tigers is dedicated to ensuring the region remains a rugby league stronghold, with the game of Rugby league being the chief beneficiary.