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 pathway progresses through Development Squads, Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams, Under 20s, Ron Massey Cup and Intrust Super Premiership.

Life Member and 2005 Wests Premiership-player Brett Hodgson is returning to Australia as the 2018 NRL assistant coach, and head coach of the Intrust Super team.

 “I am absolutely thrilled to come back home to where I started playing,” Hodgson said.

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

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