CEO - Shane Richardson

I also have fond memories of both (I’m from the Balmain side originally, heck lost blood on LO). I’m very proud of the history as well.

The reality is if we continue to try and focus on the past as a prime part of our future decision making with the view of Balmain and Magpies sides equally happy we just won’t make the Wests Tigers have sustained success ever. We have learnt that over the last 25odd years. It’s time now we focus on the path forward rather than the path back with some tough decisions on whats best for the Wests Tigers not Balmain/Magpies.
It was explained to me many years ago by a high ranking member of the BRLFC that WTs is not a perfect entitly. That we won't be able to satisfy all expectations. I agree with that and accept times change. We missed imo the opportunity to create a new stadium, COE etc at Oran Park, which then was a greenfield development. I don't blame this on WTs as I believe support from the NSWRL, NRL and State Govt should have been provided considering the size of the growth areas in the South West. We can only hope that in the future sound decisions are made which allow the club to reach its potential.
 
It was explained to me many years ago by a high ranking member of the BRLFC that WTs is not a perfect entitly. That we won't be able to satisfy all expectations. I agree with that and accept times change. We missed imo the opportunity to create a new stadium, COE etc at Oran Park, which then was a greenfield development. I don't blame this on WTs as I believe support from the NSWRL, NRL and State Govt should have been provided considering the size of the growth areas in the South West. We can only hope that in the future sound decisions are made which allow the club to reach its potential.


It was explained to me many years ago by a high ranking member of the BRLFC that WTs is not a perfect entitly. That we won't be able to satisfy all expectations.


That's a very defeatist attitude and we all know where Balmain are now.
Ironic.
Just because one relic couldn't embrace change doesn't mean it's not possible, anything is possible you just need a positive mindset... Look forward to the future not back at the past
 
It was explained to me many years ago by a high ranking member of the BRLFC that WTs is not a perfect entitly. That we won't be able to satisfy all expectations.


That's a very defeatist attitude and we all know where Balmain are now.
Ironic.
Just because one relic couldn't embrace change doesn't mean it's not possible, anything is possible you just need a positive mindset... Look forward to the future not back at the past
Both of the joint venture clubs have their challenges. That is the nature of the merged entities. Four clubs brought together out of crisis. The comment was not defeatist imo, but realistic.

I supported the merger due to the potential of the growth areas in the South West. Many believe that area ends at Campbelltown. I made a post years ago about the potential for a new stadium, second club and COE at Oran Park which then was a greenfield development. That is within the Macarthur area. We missed that opportunity not imo to any failing on the club's behalf. However, the growth in the South West is so great there are still opportunities for the club.

I hope the club approaches the NSWRL, NRL and State Govt with a strategic plan to establish these facilities in a growth area in the Macarthur region so if we go in full-time, we go committed. With the new CEO, he appears to have the vision and experience to at least examine this matter.

That is my view which has nothing to do with Magpies v Balmain, I love both clubs. It has to do with a strategic vision which will allow long term viability for WTs.
 
We didn't spend that money, we just lease the joint so I guess the devil is in the rental agreement.
$41 mill grant for a COE at Campbo would suggest it won't be a shitty facility.
Interesting times ahead.
If it is to be shared with the Uni and Macarthur Bulls as originally planned you would think them and their backers would be kicking in some coin as well. Could end up with a very tidy sum for a COE.
 
Dinosaurs roamed the earth for millions of years.

The Wests Tigers are a type of heritage listed club with many fossilised parts.

Otherwise they are not the Wests Tigers.

Our future lies in the south west.

That's business.

But I suppose short of Jurassic park at Leichhardt becoming high rise flats for wealthy Chinese emigres, which could happen one day we better play the odd game there to keep some fossils happy who don't readily identify as such.

And besides if we completely give it up I'm sure the Roosters and even Manly who embrace change for others and not for themselves will start playing there.....for the good of the game.😉

Can’t have that.
 
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Didnt a lot of the COE money come from the Canada Bay council? Their rate payers aren’t going to pay money to build something in Campbelltown
Yeah I know that.
There are some rate payers out cambo way too. Same deal could have been struck with cambo? Especially if we had based ourselves there. Which is what we’re talking about again and after we’ve just invested in Canberra, sorry concord. I have never seen any of our 3 teams play out of concord. Why are we even there in the first place, weak board with no foresight.
 
Both of the joint venture clubs have their challenges. That is the nature of the merged entities. Four clubs brought together out of crisis. The comment was not defeatist imo, but realistic.

I supported the merger due to the potential of the growth areas in the South West. Many believe that area ends at Campbelltown. I made a post years ago about the potential for a new stadium, second club and COE at Oran Park which then was a greenfield development. That is within the Macarthur area. We missed that opportunity not imo to any failing on the club's behalf. However, the growth in the South West is so great there are still opportunities for the club.

I hope the club approaches the NSWRL, NRL and State Govt with a strategic plan to establish these facilities in a growth area in the Macarthur region so if we go in full-time, we go committed. With the new CEO, he appears to have the vision and experience to at least examine this matter.

That is my view which has nothing to do with Magpies v Balmain, I love both clubs. It has to do with a strategic vi

The merger happened 24 years ago … the reasons you may or may not have had to “support” it then are not relevant any more,,,like your comments about the stadium redevelopment that never occurred ..

Since then, Balmain has died, and Sydney and the game itself have evolved…as both will continue to do so…

Your ideas that things have to continue to be “even“ between the two former entities is outdated… you even mentioned “ fairness”… why does this have to be the situation?

We need to do what is in the best interests of winning football games and competing for championships… trying to keep everybody happy hasnt achieved much in that regard the past 24 years..

If the club wants to just keep making up the numbers year after year …keep doing what they are doing…

If they want to challenge the premiership heavyweights consistently… then change is required…

Concentrating on where the juniors and families that buy the memberships are going to come from down the track seems a good pillar to focus on as part of that change …
 
Yeah I know that.
There are some rate payers out cambo way too. Same deal could have been struck with cambo? Especially if we had based ourselves there. Which is what we’re talking about again and after we’ve just invested in Canberra, sorry concord. I have never seen any of our 3 teams play out of concord. Why are we even there in the first place, weak board with no foresight.

what’s done is done though right?

The Tigers COE will be based at Concord 20-25 years at least most likely ..
 
Someone mentioned when Richardson was CEO at Souths he was interested in the Macarthur/Campbelltown region for that club. Do you believe he would give up the traditional Souths' area for a new start in the Macarthur/Campbelltown region? What about the Roosters or any other club leaving their traditional areas? We all know what the answer would be. Logically, it would be a similar set-up to what WTs have now. We will share a COE in Campbelltown which is a big win for our junior development in the region. I understand the Magpies played out of Campbelltown last year and no doubt a good deal of junior games are played at the venue.
Didn't Souths move their games from the traditional area to Homebush?
I feel sentiment won't play a part for Richo.
 
Didn't Souths move their games from the traditional area to Homebush?
I feel sentiment won't play a part for Richo.
That's fine and I hope he takes the time to consider the Macarthur region. I look at the long term viability of the club. Should we look at buying up tracts of land in a Macarthur growth area with the assistance of the State Govt, NRL and NSWRL close to rail/bus links in areas where young families are looking to establish themselves? Liverpool has been tossed about for a new stadium but that seems pretty dead end to me. Our most loyal sponsor for years is one of the nations largest developers.
 
That's fine and I hope he takes the time to consider the Macarthur region. I look at the long term viability of the club. Should we look at buying up tracts of land in a Macarthur growth area with the assistance of the State Govt, NRL and NSWRL close to rail/bus links in areas where young families are looking to establish themselves? Liverpool has been tossed about for a new stadium but that seems pretty dead end to me. Our most loyal sponsor for years is one of the nations largest developers.
Absolutely, we've always had the ingredients but never a chef.
 
Didn't Souths move their games from the traditional area to Homebush?
I feel sentiment won't play a part for Richo.
If the HBG was good enough to pull off this coup without getting fleeced you can bet your bottom dollar Richardson was carefully vetted verified and tempered for ideas before he and they signed off.

Lets face it they pulled it off without alienating anyone or screwing themselves in the process . No mean feat with all the gyrations and moving parts.

We now have a football operations manager/CEO to fix us on field with perhaps some fresh faces on the board for new ideas and directions tempered by the HBG backstop.

In all round good hands.

They'll sort it.

Now to win some games.
 
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