Wests Tigers have officially announced their expanded NSW Cup squad, which includes several players who have been recruited from rival NRL teams.
The standout player in the NSW Cup team, known as the Western Suburbs Magpies, is Greek international centre Nick Mougios. Joining him is promising future NRL player Iverson Matai, former Parramatta Eels utility back Samuel Loizou, and prop Nick Lui-Toso, who comes from the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Mougios, who previously played in the South Sydney Rabbitohs junior system, took a break from rugby league last season after being a member of the Rabbitohs NSW Cup squad in 2021 and 2022. Known for his versatility in various positions, including centres, fullback, wing, and halves, Mougios made a memorable full-length-of-the-field try for Greece in the Rugby League World Cup. He also led the Rabbitohs to victory in the Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final in 2019.
At only 25 years old, Mougios has the potential to solve the Wests Tigers’ centre issues if he has a successful season in reserve grade. There is even a possibility that he could earn a contract with the first-grade team next season.
In addition, the roster features Wests Tigers train-and-trialists Cayne Nicholas, Declan Casey, Joshua Finau, Reuben Porter, and Sione Vaihu. However, the Western Suburbs Magpies have had to part ways with over 20 players from last season’s squad.