Many pundits predicted that Wests would be struggling in 1982, especially after losing inspirational coach Roy Masters to St George.
Wests lost a number of players at the end of the 1981 season including John Ribot, Garry Dowling, Garry Jack, Jack Jeffries and John McLeod.
Under new coach Terry Fearnley, Wests opened their campaign with a 33-12 loss against Manly at Lidcombe Oval. It looked like it could be a long season for the black and whites but the mighty Magpies bounced back to win their next three matches.
Wests finished in fifth spot, just two competition points short of second place. A last round 17-10 loss to St George proved crucial.
In the preliminary semi-final, the Magpies were eliminated 11-7 by the Eastern Suburbs Roosters before 21,167 spectators at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Terry Lamb and Greg Cox both featured in all 27 matches for Wests in 1982. They were followed by Wayne Smith (26 games) with Paul Merlo and Steve Broughton each playing 25 games.
