The Wests Tigers have announced two immediate changes to their team, delisting hooker Matt McIlwrick and upgrading prop Luke Garner to their top 30 squad.
McIlwrick played 27 games for the Tigers after joining the club in 2017, with previous stints at the Sharks, Roosters and Raiders, and has been released from his contract to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The 27-year old joins the Rabbitohs until at least the end of the 2019 season, and head coach Anthony Seibold was excited to add McIlwrick's experience to his lineup.
"By bringing Matt, as well as Billy Brittain, into our top squad this year we really solidify the back-up hooking position within our team," Seibold told nrl.com.
"One of the attractions for me in bringing Matt to our Club was that he has played almost 60 NRL games at a number of Clubs so that experience could prove to be invaluable.
"Also, his toughness and defence stand out for me, and I think he will suit our style of football in attack.
"We're looking forward to working with him and we're certain he will slot straight into our squad for at least the back end of this season and next year as well."
Garner, the club's Intrust Super Premiership skipper, joins the top 30 club while getting his contracted extended for another two seasons.
The 22-year old has been a revelation for the club's ISP affiliate since crossing over from the Sea Eagles in 2017, recently leading the NSW Residents team to an impressive victory over Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
Wests Tigers Head Coach Ivan Cleary was full of praise for the emerging leader.
"Luke's been a great success in our ISP team," Cleary told weststigers.com.au.
"He captains the team and consistently plays well every week. We are delighted that we can sign him for the next two seasons, I'm sure we'll see Luke in the NRL team in the future."
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