The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the signing of hooker Matt McIlwrick until the end of the 2019 season today, effective immediately.
McIlwrick, 27, has played 56 NRL games for the Tigers, Sharks, Roosters and Raiders since making his first grade debut for Canberra against Cronulla-Sutherland in round eight of the 2012 season.
McIlwrick is a former Junior Kiwi and will slot into the Rabbitohs' top 30 squad immediately, being eligible for selection for the Rabbitohs' round 18 clash with the Bulldogs.
Rabbitohs Head Coach Anthony Seibold is happy to be bringing into his squad a player with McIlwrick's experience at this stage of the season.
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
Anthony Seibold
"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."
McIlwrick is looking forward to the next chapter of his career with South Sydney.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind last couple of days but I'm extremely privileged to be at such a proud club and I can't wait to rip in with the boys," McIlwrick said.
"From the outside in, South Sydney has always been such a big club, has some big names and is historically well known. I'm excited to be part of that and I've heard great things about the culture here.
"Obviously the boys have been going great this season, so I'm keen to jump in and do whatever I can.
"I love the Tigers and all the boys there are great and they will be doing great things over the next few years, but an opportunity opened up for me here at Souths and it's the best thing for my career to head over here and I'm really looking forward to it."
Biography:
| Name: | Matt McIlwrick |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth: | 4 June 1991 |
| Place of Birth: | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Height: | 180cm |
| Weight: | 97kg |
| Position: | Hooker |
| Junior Club: | Halswell Hornets |
| Rep Honours: | Junior Kiwis (2010) |
| Previous Clubs: | Raiders (2012-14); Roosters (2015); Sharks (2016); Tigers (2017-18) |
| NRL games: | 56 (19 for Raiders; eight for the Roosters; two for the Sharks; 27 for the Tigers) |
| NRL Points: | 12 (two tries for Tigers; one try for Raiders) |
| NRL Debut: | Raiders vs Sharks, Canberra Stadium, 29 April 2012 (Rd 8) |
