Tigers upgrade trio to first grade squad

Dylan Smith, Sam McIntyre and Thomas Mikaele have been upgraded to the Wests Tigers' Top 30 NRL squad for the 2019 season.

All three players were part of the Tigers Development squad, which allows players to train full-time with the NRL squad but are not eligible to play first grade.

With their promotion to the Top 30 squad, all three will be eligible for first grade selection in 2019.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe congratulated the trio for their development throughout the season.

"We are pleased to welcome them in to the Top 30 squad now as eligible first-grade players and look forward to seeing them contributing in the future for Wests Tigers," Pascoe told the West Tigers website. 

"They have all worked extremely hard since arriving at the club last year and have progressed a long way both on and off the field."

Wests Tigers General Manager of Football Kelly Egan said the trio would be an asset for the club's NRL squad in the coming season.

"This is an exciting time at Wests Tigers and we're looking forward to seeing how these three can continue their development and contribute throughout the year," Egan said.

"Dylan, Sam and Tom each bring something different to the squad, and having another full pre-season under their belts will certainly help them in the season ahead."