Media Statement: Western Suburbs To Manage 2015 Junior Development Programme

Wests Tigers and Wests Magpies have agreed that the management of junior development programs in South-Western Sydney will revert to Wests Magpies from 2015.

Wests Tigers, at the requests of Wests Magpies, have for the past three years managed junior development in South-Western Sydney, including the Western Magpies Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams.

Wests Magpies will be responsible for running the Under 13s, 14s, 15s and 17s programs, along with Harold Matthews and SG Ball sides.

While Wests Magpies will take responsibility for these programs it’s important to note that a clearly defined pathway for young players to reach the NRL remains in place.

Wests Tigers and Wests Magpies will work closely together to ensure that young players have the opportunity to work their way through the grades, progressing from SG Ball to Wests Tigers’ NYC, NSW Cup and NRL sides.

Wests Magpies Board Member Mr Mick Liubinskas said that the organisation is keen to integrate the junior development programs into their existing structure alongside Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield, as well as working closely with Western Suburbs Junior Rugby League and Group 6.

“Wests Magpies have made the decision to renew our charter and bring Wests’ junior programs back into the club culture we’ve built, now stretching from Under 13s up to Ron Massey Cup,” said Mr Liubinskas. “The Board would like to thank Wests Tigers for the role they have played in administering the programs for the past three years and we will continue to work closely with the Club.

“It’s great to see so many Wests juniors currently representing Wests Tigers at NRL level and we look forward to this continuing for many years to come,” he said.

Wests Tigers CEO Grant Mayer said that the Club is committed to supporting long-term junior development programs.

“Wests Tigers are pleased that Wests Magpies are once again leading the charge in junior development in South-Western Sydney,” said Mr Mayer. “We will continue to support junior development across our footprint"