Photo courtesy of Wests Tigers
Wests Tigers have announced Western Suburbs Magpies coach Ben Gardiner has been promoted to join Michael Maguire’s NRL squad as an assistant coach in 2022.
This season was Gardiner’s first year at the helm of the Magpies and he enjoyed considerable success. The Magpies sat 2nd on The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and finished the season with 422 points for and 294 against. They also boasted the best attack in the competition.
The Short Side Magpies & Panthers Season Reviews
Gardiner has worked with Maguire previously as a part of the New Zealand national side and also has experience in different coaching roles with South Sydney, Cronulla-Sutherland, North Sydney and NSW Under 20s.
In addition to the Magpies successful 2021 campaign, Gardiner was able to oversee several NSW Cup graduates getting their first taste of the top grade including Tuki Simpkins, Kelma Tuilagi, Jake Simpkin and Jock Madden.
Maguire told weststigers.com.au he was looking forward to working with Gardiner and Nathan Cayless, who will also join the club as an assistant coach in 2022.
“I’ve spent time with Ben and Nathan at international level and know they will grow our players while adding a lot to our staff and club,” Maguire said.
“I’m looking forward to working with them to build our squad and getting stuck into pre-season.”
