Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that hooker Matt McIlwrick has signed a two-year contract extension with the Club.

The new deal will see McIlwrick remain with Wests Tigers until at least the end of the 2019 season.

Since arriving at Wests Tigers earlier this year, McIlwrick has played every game for the Club so far this season — cementing himself as the starting hooker on every occasion.

The crafty hooker has played 14 games for Wests Tigers in 2017, taking his career total to 43 games since making his first-grade debut for the Canberra Raiders in 2012.

The 26-year-old said he was delighted to be able to remain with Wests Tigers for the next two seasons.

“This Club as been great to me in giving me an opportunity to come here, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.

“They have supported me from Day One and I’m excited to be a part of the future here.

“There’s a great opportunity here to build something special, and you can already see positive change around the place. I know Wests Tigers are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.”

Wests Tigers Head Coach Ivan Cleary said he was pleased to have McIlwrick sign on for a further two seasons after settling in well to Wests Tigers this year.

“Matt has shown himself to be a very valued and well-respected member of this team, and will continue to develop into a quality hooker over the next two seasons,” Cleary said.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe echoed Cleary’s sentiments regarding McIlwrick.

“Matt is an outstanding individual who continues to display the core values of Wests Tigers on and off the field and we’re delighted to see him extend his stay here,” he said.

“It’s another sign that players are on board with what we’re building at Wests Tigers.”

MATT MCILWRICK PLAYER PROFILE

Date of Birth — 4th June, 1991 (26 years old)

Position — Hooker

Junior Club — Halswell Hornets

Previous Clubs — Canberra (2012-14), Sydney Roosters (2015), Cronulla (2016)

NRL Debut — Canberra v Cronulla, Canberra Stadium, 29/04/12 (Rd.8)

Club Debut — Wests Tigers v South Sydney, ANZ Stadium, 03/03/17 (Rd.1)