We've discussed it 😉
Excuse me if this notion is a little naive but is it time that the Tigers investigated a relocation to the Central Coast? When I mention this, I am suggesting it as a vehicle for a new start in every possible way;
- New board members
- New administration team
- New brand
- New coach
- New playing roster
I am aware that there are obstacles;
1. NRL prefers other locations for a new franchise, ie. Perth
2. There have been challenges in the past with sponsorship/ financial support on the Coast
3. The Northern Eagles fiasco has left a sour taste in the mouths of the NRL
4...
I think the Wests Tigers should utilise this area, taking some home games away from ANZ and having them (when possible & appropriate) at Central Coast stadium (formely known as Blue Tongue). It has a capacity of just over 20k and has sold out in full in the past when NRL games have been played there.
I know the tigers have a strong fan base on the coast - whenever I visit there I see people wearing merch, jerseys, etc. We have users on this forum from the area (who I hope will share their thoughts on this matter). I know us fans from Newcastle would happily make the 1-hour or so odd drive...
I am an old Magpie supporter from the heart of the Balmain district, now live in the South-West of Sydney and I would happily support a team called the Central Coast Tigers if the current Wests Tigers set up fell apart and was replaced.
There is no doubt a team called Central Coast Tigers would be well received, well supported and would work.
As for Western Suburbs Magpies, they were once a great club with a rich history contrary to what some like to believe. But anyone with any realism would know they are not ever coming back as part of the NRL competition, just like the Balmain Tigers are never coming back as part of the NRL competition.
So it is either allow and make the merger work, otherwise the licence will be taken away and we may not even get an option for an alternate club such as Central Coast Tigers.
The Macarthur district which now includes Liverpool to Campbelltown to Camden and incorporating the Southern Highlands is now an extremely populated, family oriented region which is rapidly increasing as a junior rugby league nursery powerhouse and hence why many have called for Wests Tigers to shift their focus and attention to being more involved and possibly based in that region full time.
Do not forget that the Western Suburbs Magpies were traditionally Ashfield based and were in effect a merged club of their own once they shifted their rugby league focus to the MacArthur region.
So we now effectively have a 3 way merger between Balmain, Wests Ashfield and the MacArthur region.
Over the years it has made a lot of sense when you consider many past proud Western Suburbs junior clubs such as Enfield Federals, Concord/Butwood Wolves, Strathfield Raiders just to name a few have become integral parts of the Balmain district junior league.
So it’s very complex, but it can work very successfully if done properly and always remember the club is far bigger than any one player, coach, administrator, owner or fan.