Taking a wrecking ball to the club! (Recent Media Reports)

[LeichhardtTiger]

The Tiger Roar is starting to build - we are now at 11 signatures now! - breaking through at Corowa like Speed!

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[twentyforty]

I think firstly we need some transparency & honesty from the club from either Richo or O'Farrell on the status of the Wests Tigers constitution, by-laws, appointment of independent directors & who holds the decision-making power on our future board.

If the Wests Tigers as an entity has independent power in decision-making through its board with its majority owner HBG only holding one position on the board that would put our minds at ease.

Otherwise maybe we need to identify a corporate governance legal expert as potentially any underhanded behaviour by members of the WT board (i.e. Burgess & Montgomery) may be in breach of WT by-laws (much like HBG has served notice to Wayde, Tony, Gilbert etc). Gary Barnier might be worth a call.

The WT board constitutionally now has 8 directors. 5 Magpies, 1 Balmain and 2 Independents. No doubt all 5 of those Magpies would serve on one or both of the other 2 boards.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

100,000 fans will hit streets in protest if Tigers kicked out of merger, says Balmain legend
By Christian Nicolussi
December 14, 2024 — 3.42pm

Balmain legend Ben Elias says 100,000 fans will hit the streets in protest, as South Sydney supporters did at the turn of the century, if the club’s majority owner attempts to replace the Wests Tigers joint venture with Wests Magpies.

This masthead on Friday reported on the latest drama playing out behind the scenes at the Holman Barnes Group, the majority owner of Wests Tigers, and how at least one director held grave fears for the future of the Tigers-Magpies merger.

Former HBG chairman-turned-director Tony Andreacchio, one of three members currently suspended, wrote to several members via text message: “Their [HBG] misguided ambition is to see the Western Suburbs Magpies replace the Wests Tigers in the NRL competition.”

Elias was stunned talk of a divorce continued to surface after nearly 25 years of marriage between Balmain and Wests, rating the chances of Wests Magpies returning to the NRL about as good as “the Balmain Tigers coming back”.

“And the suggestion that this group now wants the return of the Wests Magpies instead of the continuation of the Wests Tigers as an NRL entity is simply outrageous,” Elias said. “It demonstrates a complete disrespect to our passionate fans, our players and the NRL.

“If this mob wants the Wests Magpies to return, and that is their brief for the future, you can expect 100,000 fans to take to the streets and protest, just like South Sydney fans did when their team was kicked out of the competition [in 1999].

“The article in the Herald explained that the HBG is controlled by 18 debenture holders. In turn, the HBG controls the Wests Tigers.

“The debenture system at the HBG is archaic. It lacks both democracy and lacks merit. It means that our great fans and supporters have no voice with respect to the running of our great club. The debenture system must be scrapped.

“Our great club deserves the best possible stewardship. Unfortunately, we are a far cry from that. And regrettably, it impacts our on-field performance.

“It’s just farcical. I also can’t see the ARL Commission and [chairman] Peter V’landys allowing this to happen.”

Fellow Balmain legend Garry Jack, said: “We’re in this together, and if you look back through history, Wests weren’t that strong at the turn of the century. They were on their knees. We were a stronger club at the time, but we formed an allegiance and became the Wests Tigers. They should not forget the past. I’m offended when I hear talk of a push to have the Wests Magpies replace Wests Tigers.”

The HBG board is separate to the Wests Tigers board, but any decisions will have a direct impact on the NRL club.

The Tigers and the other 16 clubs recently signed licence agreements with the NRL, which will expire in 2034. Even if Wests Magpies wanted to return, they would first need to convince the ARLC why they should revoke the Wests Tigers licence.

HBG chair Julie Romero could not be contacted on Friday, but said via a prepared statement on Saturday: “The Holman Barnes Group slogan is ‘be true to the review’, and we mean it. Our commitment is to the West Tigers and ensuring the Wests Tigers is positioned for success. Seeing reports suggesting anything other than our total commitment to the club is disappointing.

“We will not be moving away from Wests Tigers and to claim that is fiction. The group is disappointed to see damaging inaccuracies reported.”

In the same statement, it said the HBG’s formal investigation into the alleged misconduct of three individuals who held directorships on the boards, including Andreacchio, Dave Gilbert and Rick Wayde, was almost complete. The investigation was conducted by a third party. Included in some of the “trivial claims” levelled against the trio was that an official’s wife had been called “darl”, and telling another she was in the wrong corporate box at a game.

Andreacchio would not comment on Friday about the text message he had sent, but did say: “All I will say is that my only concern is the best interests of the Wests Tigers. Some on the board couldn’t cope with losing their blazers as part of the review. If I was a passionate Wests Tigers fan, of which I am, I would be very worried about the future of the merger.”

 

[Lestronge]

The head lemming runs towards the cliff after drinking the kool-aid once again.
You can't make this shit up.
Don't you tire of being conned? It must be exhausting.

That lemming thing is a fake . It was faked by the producers of the documentary. Almost as fake as your post .

 

[Spartan117]

HBG need to tread carefully here.

This could be the catalyst for a showdown at the next licence renewal where a Balmain backed consortium goes head to head with HBG for the NRL licence.

I would imagine Triguboff, Elias, Blue Wiggle et al would be right up for that. HBG aren't going to get much support given the way things have gone since they became majority owners and Harry has deeper pockets.

Not saying this would be ideal, but people start thinking of ways around these situations when there doesn't seem a way forward.

The way HBG run the club and the fact they are not accountable to members, means the club is held hostage by these clowns and we can't see a way out.

The NRL wont allow the license to move to the rival partner in the hopes that they get it together.

Just need someone in the board to knock some heads.

 

[Lestronge]

No doubt.

Doesn't seem common in the NRL though.
Excuse my ignorance if that's not true.

Just seems like Wests Tigers as a brand are continually being embarrassed, by, not just the board but multiple things.... however the board is a massive contributing factor this ongoing embarrassment.

Most workplaces have policy and procedures in place to ensure employees do not bring disrepute to the brand / organisation... these board members need to be held accountable for the drama they cause.

Yep ! But the problem is , if the board itself is inept and corrupt and needs replacing then there’s very few avenues that can be taken to replace them . Everyone else has someone above them , to hold them accountable . There’s simple nothing like that with the debenture set up at HBG.
Even most boards have to be accountable to the shareholders .
When this ticket got voted in at start of the year , anyone with brain knew this was coming . And the fact that Burgess couldn’t hack being removed from the tigers board after the revue , and then proceeded to politic to get back on , is vile .
He’s a 60-70 year old man. Simply for that reason alone , he shoulldnt be allowed on . I don’t understand how a key figure on a board , that needed an external review to have thier processes corrected and moved into the 21st century , can find his way back onto that board after his removal .
It’s disgusting . And hilariously liquor and gaming are now after them for thier incompetence.
How can the ARLC not hold the current HBG board with a no confidence vote .
Everything they’re doing is not in the best interest of the ARLC.

 

[Lestronge]

I didn't say any of that.
I'm saying that there's one person who created a non existent story to further his own agenda.
The entire story is the manifestation of his manipulations to get you, the podcasters, and everyone else on here who is reacting like it's the gospel according to Chammas, to react the way you are.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend .
If between the 2 tickets where 1 is dragging thier heels with the implementation of the findings of the review , and the other has already implemented most of the findings prior to being ousted , I know which side has the wests tigers interest at heart .
And it’s not Julie “how do I tie my shoes again ?” Romero

 

[twentyforty]

Of course. We are the peasants. Just pay your membership, buy jerseys, and other merchandise and STFU.

They’re very clever not to give us any voting rights but call us members because we buy game tickets.

 

[hammertime]

They’re very clever not to give us any voting rights but call us members because we buy game tickets.

It would be ok if the HBG board had voting rights for all seats and we all got HBG club membership. This debenture stuff is the problem.

I actually don't see how that is legal for a licenced club. To have a group like that with controlling interest, much like a private owner. The government should seriously look at it.

 

[tiger_one]

(Copied/Pasted from f/b)



Statement from the Holman Barnes Group Board

The Holman Barnes Group emphatically rejects claims made by the Sydney Morning Herald about its
intention to move away from the Wests Tigers. It is untrue.

Holman Barnes Group Chair, Julie Romero, said: “The Holman Barnes Group slogan is ‘be true to the
review’ and we mean it. Our commitment is to the West Tigers and ensuring the Wests Tigers is
positioned for success. Seeing reports suggesting anything other than our total commitment to the
Club is disappointing.”

“We will not be moving away from Wests Tigers and to claim that is fiction. The Group is
disappointed to see damaging inaccuracies reported.”

The Group also notes it is nearing the completion of a process involving a formal investigation by an
external third party and disciplinary hearings regarding alleged misconduct of three individuals who
held directorships on the Board (Directors). Under the Constitution, the Directors involved have an
opportunity to respond to the allegations against them before any final decision is made.

Due to the confidential nature of the process and with respect to those involved the Group will not
comment further until this process is complete and it expects that all parties involved to be equally
respectful.

While this process is ongoing, the Directors in question have been suspended from all privileges of
membership.

The investigation is a Holman Barnes Group matter and does not impact the football department
at Wests Tigers.

Holman Barnes Group CEO, Simon Cook, reaffirmed his commitment to the Wests Tigers and said:
"Holman Barnes Group is a very successful organisation that has had continued success over many
years. We are currently coming off a record trading year and have also contributed to 80
organisations through our provision of over $3 million to the community.
I am confident the organisation is in a great position to continue to grow and provide the very best facilities for our members and guests while supporting our community."

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

Please keep up the pressure - we have reached 16 signatures so far - one more and we can field our own team!

Sign the Petition

Demand Full Implementation of Review Findings by the WestsTigers Rugby League Football Club Board

www.change.org

 

[weststigers]

The NRL wont allow the license to move to the rival partner in the hopes that they get it together.

Just need someone in the board to knock some heads.

Not the rival partner. New consortium. Balmain would have nothing to do with it.

 

[twentyforty]

It would be ok if the HBG board had voting rights for all seats and we all got HBG club membership. This debenture stuff is the problem.

I actually don't see how that is legal for a licenced club. To have a group like that with controlling interest, much like a private owner. The government should seriously look at it.

The first female WA board member was parachuted in as secretary after 13 months of getting a debenture. Then 3 years after the debenture onto the board.

 

[Telltails]

Don't want Balmain back just want WTs run overseen by people committed to the success of WTs as a club and brand with no hidden agendas.

 

[Lauren]

Official statement from Wests Tigers site.

Statement: Holman Barnes Group Board​

Wests Tigers Sat 14 Dec 2024, 03:26 PM

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The Holman Barnes Group emphatically rejects claims made by the Sydney Morning Herald about its intention to move away from the Wests Tigers. It is untrue.

Holman Barnes Group Chair, Julie Romero, said: “The Holman Barnes Group slogan is ‘be true to the review’ and we mean it. Our commitment is to the West Tigers and ensuring the Wests Tigers is positioned for success. Seeing reports suggesting anything other than our total commitment to the Club is disappointing.”


“We will not be moving away from Wests Tigers and to claim that is fiction. The Group is disappointed to see damaging inaccuracies reported.”

The Group also notes it is nearing the completion of a process involving a formal investigation by an external third party and disciplinary hearings regarding alleged misconduct of three individuals who held directorships on the Board (Directors). Under the Constitution, the Directors involved have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them before any final decision is made.

Due to the confidential nature of the process and with respect to those involved the Group will not comment further until this process is complete and it expects that all parties involved to be equally respectful.

While this process is ongoing, the Directors in question have been suspended from all privileges of membership.

The investigation is a Holman Barnes Group matter and does not impact the football department at Wests Tigers.

Holman Barnes Group CEO, Simon Cook, reaffirmed his commitment to the Wests Tigers and said: "Holman Barnes Group is a very successful organisation that has had continued success over many years.

"We are currently coming off a record trading year and have also contributed to 80 organisations through our provision of over $3 million to the community.

"I am confident the organisation is in a great position to continue to grow and provide the very best facilities for our members and guests while supporting our community."

Statement: Holman Barnes Group Board

The Holman Barnes Group emphatically rejects claims made by the Sydney Morning Herald about its intention to move away from the Wests Tigers.

www.weststigers.com.au

 

[BalmainJnr]

Being a WT fan sure teaches you about resilience.

 

[cochise]

Be true to the review doesn't mean implementing it.

 

[cochise]

Weren't they renewed in 2023? There was talk of perpetual licensing, but nothing ever eventuated?

This was published on 25th of October

CRISIS AVERTED AS NRL SHUTS DOWN BREAKAWAY THREAT

The NRL is on the verge of a landmark agreement with its 17 clubs that will guarantee their future in the competition and kill off any veiled threat of a breakaway competition for at least the next decade.

The NRL has been locked in talks for more than a year with the clubs over extending their existing licensing agreements, which are due to expire in just over a week.

It is understood they have now brokered an agreement which will guarantee them a place in the premiership for a further 10 years and give them increased sway when it comes to expansion and broadcast negotiations.

While the clubs won’t have veto rights over adding new teams or locking in fresh broadcast agreements, they will form part of an advisory group that will be kept abreast of talks with the television networks.

The NRL are closing in on a landmark licence agreement with all 17 clubs for the next decade. Picture: Getty Images
The existing broadcast deals are due to expire at the end of 2027 but it is understood if the NRL hasn’t already reached out to broadcasters, the day is fast approaching.

The clubs previously had no influence on broadcast negotiations but it is understood a hand-picked group of club chairs will be kept up to date on the talks by head office.

The new agreements shape as the most significant in the game’s history. The previous agreements ran out last year but after the clubs failed to reach an agreement with the NRL on long term deals, they agreed to roll the expired agreements over for 12 months.

The new deals mean the clubs have secured their futures as long as they remain solvent and continue to pay their bills. That shouldn’t be a problem given they currently receive of grant of more than $17 million from head office, with that future to increase significantly in coming years.

It is understood each club will receive as much as $4 million in a one-off payment in return for adding an 18th team, potentially as early as 2027.

Expansion has been one of the game’s hot topics amid concern in clubland over the lack of clarity from the NRL about the potential addition of teams from Perth and PNG.

That is set to change under the new arrangement as an advisory group of chairs are kept abreast of expansion developments.

 

[weststigers]

This was published on 25th of October

Another 10 years of Romero and Burgess. I think it's time you guys sharpen your pitchforks again.

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

At close of play today there are 18 hardy souls who have signed on for this battle. We cannot allow our Club to be trashed like this following the alleged leak and the subsequent weasel worded response from Romero. Today was meant to cast a shining light on our new recruits and team as a whole at the member's Training Day Event.

Instead, this rubbish finds its way into the spotlight. Shame on all those Board members and their behind the scenes lackeys who have never strapped on a footy boot in anger!

I said to Chris Warren the secret to success will be to empower the fans to become voting members (eg. the right to vote for at least 1 Independent Director). Membership would go thru the roof! He was too busy wiping face paint from toddlers' faces after today's event to provide a reply.

Please sign up if you haven't already and please pass the link to your friends to do so as well via facebook or twitter etc. Cheers

Sign the Petition

Demand Full Implementation of Review Findings by the WestsTigers Rugby League Football Club Board

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