One of Wests Tigers favourite sons, John Skandalis, will return to the club in 2009.

Skandalis joins Wests Tigers in a varied off-field role as part of the club’s commitment to having a strong presence in the Macarthur region.

"We are very excited to have John back at Wests Tigers. His appointment is just one of many exciting initiatives we have planned for the Macarthur region,’’ said incoming CEO Scott Longmuir.

"John is highly respected in the Campbelltown region. He was raised there and came through the ranks of the Western Suburbs Junior Rugby League, Western Suburbs Magpies and then went on to become an important part of the Wests Tigers, including being a part of the 2005 premiership winning team.

"John has spent the past two seasons playing for Huddersfield Giants in the English Super League. I know he is excited to be coming back to the Wests Tigers in an off-field role.

"His duties will include visiting schools, attending junior rugby league and school grand finals, to being involved in club’s community programs. He will also be keeping a close eye on local football talent.

"Wests Tigers do plenty of positive, community work in the Macarthur region and John will help us to take that to another level."

Skandalis holds the club record of 166 games for Wests Tigers after playing 64 games for Western Suburbs Magpies.

A knee injury cut short Skandalis’ career in Huddersfield, where he played 38 games to bring his career tally to 268 matches.