The first signings for the Western Clydesdales in 2023 ensure there will be a distinct local flavour for their return to the Hostplus Cup.

The Clydesdales are assembling a squad for the Hostplus Cup next season and have announced the signing of their first 11 players.

All 11 players are local talents, which realises the Clydesdales’ goal of providing a pathway to the Hostplus Cup for quality players from across the south-west.

• Alex Brighton (pictured), 21, centre
• Hnaloan Budden, 26, edge forward
• Brock Diment, 23, fullback/centre
• Josh Keoller, 21, lock
• Luke Maiden, 22, front-row
• Cory McGrady, 29, halfback/five-eighth
• Pat O’Callaghan, 23, middle forward
• Mitch Revell, 23, middle forward
• Hugh Sedger, 27, centre/winger
• Mitch Watson, 23, fullback/winger
• Todd White, 25, middle forward

“It’s great that we can provide opportunities for these guys to be part of a Hostplus Cup squad and represent their region at such an elite level,” Clydesdales Head Coach Jason Alchin said.

“Returning to the Hostplus Cup next season completes the pathway for the region and I’m looking forward to having these talented local guys in our squad.

“It’s exciting to be signing up players for the season ahead. We’re putting together a quality squad and it will be great to start pre-season in a few weeks.”

The Clydesdales will have further signings to announce in the coming weeks and there is already some Hostplus Cup experience in the squad to build on.

Sedger boasts 34 games of Cup experience with Ipswich and Northern Pride after making his debut in 2016.

White also has 32 games of Cup experience with the Jets and previously starred for the Clydesdales in Hastings Deering Colts.

Revell, who played with Brothers in the Hutchinson Builders TRL Premiership this year, has NSW Cup experience with the Penrith Panthers.