HBG, Independent Directors Sacked

[tigahhh]

Departing Manly CEO Tony Mestrov expected to replace Shane Richardson as Tigers chief executive​

Departing Manly CEO Tony Mestrov is expected to replace Shane Richardson as chief executive at the Tigers. It comes amid a stall in negotiations of a payout between Richardson and the club.

The first step in trying to reunite a fractured Wests Tigers will begin on Monday with Manly’s Tony Mestrov expected to replace Shane Richardson as the club’s new chief executive.

It was originally felt Mestrov - who will formally leave as Manly CEO on December 19 - would be interim Wests Tigers CEO but this masthead has been told the appointment could now be permanent.

Manly’s CEO for more than three years, Mestrov will be asked to take his no-nonsense approach into the challenging Wests Tigers job.

His first role will be to mend a divided club haemorrhaging from political infighting between stakeholders Wests and Balmain.

Mestrov could not be contacted for comment on Sunday afternoon.

It is understood Richardson and the club are locked in tense negotiations around a termination payout.

Richardson is fighting allegations around his alleged conduct at the club as the NRL integrity unit investigates information that two members of Richardson’s family worked at Wests Tigers.

Sources also claim a whistleblower has come forward to express concerns about club money that was paid to a company called Enrichd, a marketing, branding and digital consultancy company Richardson part-owns with his son, Brent.

Richardson is seeking a seven-figure payout but negotiations have stalled with talks becoming strained.

He is fiercely denying any wrongdoing.

“Talks between ‘Richo’ and the club over his payout have become nasty,” said one well-placed source. “But ‘Richo’ is pretty shrewd.

“Given what is happening, no-one has confidence in the club.”

Speculation is rife that senior figures inside Wests Tigers refused to keep the Holman Barnes Group, who essentially finance the club, informed of key decisions.

A former Manly and Souths prop, Mestrov will likely join Wests Tigers unaware who will be his chairman at the club.

Former club chairman Barry O’Farrell was rolled last week along with three other independent directors as the Wests’ side of the dysfunctional joint venture wrestles back control of the club.

Wests Tigers fans are filthy at the latest drama and are planning protest walks to voice their anger.

Balmain legend Steve Roach has expressed his thoughts about the club’s constant dramas, saying: “It’s horribly disappointing for the fans, mate. I feel for them.

“Just as they are starting to see a little bit of light, this happens. It’s destabilising and a shambles.

“And how are you going to attract players if this is happening? Who would go there if they are ‘blueing’ all the time? What happens in (Jahream) Bula leaves?

“I’d like the NRL to step in and get the club in order. Maybe take over or put people in there.”

Mestrov will be replaced as Manly CEO in the New Year by former Sea Eagles forward Jason King.

what an absolute [This word has been automatically removed]ing joke

 

[Muffstar]

Departing Manly CEO Tony Mestrov expected to replace Shane Richardson as Tigers chief executive​

Departing Manly CEO Tony Mestrov is expected to replace Shane Richardson as chief executive at the Tigers. It comes amid a stall in negotiations of a payout between Richardson and the club.

The first step in trying to reunite a fractured Wests Tigers will begin on Monday with Manly’s Tony Mestrov expected to replace Shane Richardson as the club’s new chief executive.

It was originally felt Mestrov - who will formally leave as Manly CEO on December 19 - would be interim Wests Tigers CEO but this masthead has been told the appointment could now be permanent.

Manly’s CEO for more than three years, Mestrov will be asked to take his no-nonsense approach into the challenging Wests Tigers job.

His first role will be to mend a divided club haemorrhaging from political infighting between stakeholders Wests and Balmain.

Mestrov could not be contacted for comment on Sunday afternoon.

It is understood Richardson and the club are locked in tense negotiations around a termination payout.

Richardson is fighting allegations around his alleged conduct at the club as the NRL integrity unit investigates information that two members of Richardson’s family worked at Wests Tigers.

Sources also claim a whistleblower has come forward to express concerns about club money that was paid to a company called Enrichd, a marketing, branding and digital consultancy company Richardson part-owns with his son, Brent.

Richardson is seeking a seven-figure payout but negotiations have stalled with talks becoming strained.

He is fiercely denying any wrongdoing.

“Talks between ‘Richo’ and the club over his payout have become nasty,” said one well-placed source. “But ‘Richo’ is pretty shrewd.

“Given what is happening, no-one has confidence in the club.”

Speculation is rife that senior figures inside Wests Tigers refused to keep the Holman Barnes Group, who essentially finance the club, informed of key decisions.

A former Manly and Souths prop, Mestrov will likely join Wests Tigers unaware who will be his chairman at the club.

Former club chairman Barry O’Farrell was rolled last week along with three other independent directors as the Wests’ side of the dysfunctional joint venture wrestles back control of the club.

Wests Tigers fans are filthy at the latest drama and are planning protest walks to voice their anger.

Balmain legend Steve Roach has expressed his thoughts about the club’s constant dramas, saying: “It’s horribly disappointing for the fans, mate. I feel for them.

“Just as they are starting to see a little bit of light, this happens. It’s destabilising and a shambles.

“And how are you going to attract players if this is happening? Who would go there if they are ‘blueing’ all the time? What happens in (Jahream) Bula leaves?

“I’d like the NRL to step in and get the club in order. Maybe take over or put people in there.”

Mestrov will be replaced as Manly CEO in the New Year by former Sea Eagles forward Jason King.

If he does replace Richo he will be just a mouth piece to the clowns that now run the show.

 

[TigerJunior4]

Cheers mate … I understand you are coming from
..I’ll go to the rally next week and see what happens from that …. Agree around your sentiments if HBG is now back to being in control…

Thank you and appreciate that response too.

It’s a valid question you’re asking. I think for a lot of Wests Tigers fans it’s a hard one to grapple with.

Yet again as a fanbase we’re on a hiding to nothing really and up shit creek without a paddle.

Fingers crossed something changes for the better.

 

[TigerJunior4]

I hear you. Manly underachieved with a great roster…

Yeah I think so too. They’ve also mismanaged the roster under Mestrov and Seibold and he really didn’t handle negotiations or media very well.

 

[Telltails]

No light at the end of the tunnel with this club - what an embarrassment we are.
Welcome Tony - you can guarantee you will be well remunerated regardless of performance as long as you are prepared to cop a bit of smear campaign on the way out.

 

[Tom Shines]

Thank you and appreciate that response too.

It’s a valid question you’re asking. I think for a lot of Wests Tigers fans it’s a hard one to grapple with.

Yet again as a fanbase we’re on a hiding to nothing really and up shit creek without a paddle.

Fingers crossed something changes for the better.

Fandom can be a big part of peoples lives … I assume most of us posting here are amongst the biggest of the clubs fans … I’ve been wrestling with what I’m gunna do all week…

I’ll let it play out for a bit and hope for the best 👍…

 

[mtd#2]

But board meeting minutes in Australia are generally confidential, treated as sensitive internal records for directors, but they aren't absolutely secret and can become discoverable in court or investigations, especially if they contain legal advice (which might be privileged) or are needed to prove directors met their duties.

Members can't generally access director minutes, but minutes of general member meetings are accessible, so careful handling, strong security, clear protocols for privileged content, and legal advice are crucial to protect sensitive info.

I can't see inside info being released to us fan, ever.

Someone with some bitcoin and a request on the darkweb could probably get the documents quite easily..there's no way the hBg have good cyber security practices

 

[tigahhh]

Yeah I think so too. They’ve also mismanaged the roster under Mestrov and Seibold and he really didn’t handle negotiations or media very well.

he’s the worst possible replacement. hbg are an embarrassment

 

[TigerNeddyK]

I HATE HBG and Burgess can get EFFED… Richo goes , the rebuild is stuffed and Benj will be next , morale is stuffed and the club will end up with the wooden spoon by a long way..players will not want to be here… such a waste… Penrith looking like a good option to me after following the Tigers all of my life….sick of it… I can no longer waste my time and energy supporting an organisation that is being sabotaged by the very people meant to steward it… I am so furious at that mop headed freak ..he has ruined everything with his selfish stupidity..

 

[innsaneink]

What if our players joined us in the march? Maybe they can refuse to play any matches unless the four independents are reinstated and Richo keeps his job. That would make the NRL act as it would impact their product and cause rumblings with the broadcasters.

They wouldve been advised to make no comment on all this...as well as coaching staff etc

 

[Westie]

Well if Richo goes and the hbg board sign the moron that stuffed up Manly as our CEO. The only way I stay committed to the game is if PVL takes the licence off HBG.
How much longer can they get away with treating like we dont matter.

 

[Craegus]

If Richo does get the flick tomorrow, can some of the podcast boys aligned with the rally next weekend get in his ear and have him come along and join it? Or get Darcy to do it.

Would be a big voice to help the cause, and know that we support the team and a CEO who will do what is needed. Plus more to the point, should all this rubbish accusations go away and a new owner is found we need to keep him close so he can just (hopefully) step right back into the role.

 

[innsaneink]

I HATE HBG and Burgess can get EFFED… Richo goes , the rebuild is stuffed and Benj will be next , morale is stuffed and the club will end up with the wooden spoon by a long way..players will not want to be here… such a waste… Penrith looking like a good option to me after following the Tigers all of my life….sick of it… I can no longer waste my time and energy supporting an organisation that is being sabotaged by the very people meant to steward it… I am so furious at that mop headed freak ..he has ruined everything with his selfish stupidity..

I couldnt follow another team...not even a new one.
Itd be not much fun being a neutral with no team to support.
If HBG conntinue and are not held to account but WTs still are active, id be still following but feel very disconnected..distant and disappointed

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

If Richo does get the flick tomorrow, can some of the podcast boys aligned with the rally next weekend get in his ear and have him come along and join it? Or get Darcy to do it.

Would be a big voice to help the cause, and know that we support the team and a CEO who will do what is needed. Plus more to the point, should all this rubbish accusations go away and a new owner is found we need to keep him close so he can just (hopefully) step right back into the role.

WE are hoping it's not the case but if Richo's done something dodgy then you can't have him at the rally.

 

[TigerNeddyK]

I couldnt follow another team...not even a new one.
Itd be not much fun being a neutral with no team to support.
If HBG conntinue and are not held to account but WTs still are active, id be still following but feel very disconnected..distant and disappointed

Same here really… just my heart has had it… had it with this bs .. Richo had a vision, the rebuild was working and that burgess asshole has snatched it all away from us just to spite the club… and the freak that ruined manly will step in??? STUFF THAT… Enough.. poor old Benji …imagine Tryin to hold this together when the players that he and Richo sold a vision to see Richo shafted and the rebuild blown away and it all becomes a gotdamn lie?? I cannot wrap my head around this sabotage, …it is too much

 

[mtd#2]

Not for Richo .. he is apparently out the door tomorrow according to his media buddy Read

As in recent news from read or this from last week?

 

[Tom Shines]

I couldnt follow another team...not even a new one.
Itd be not much fun being a neutral with no team to support.
If HBG conntinue and are not held to account but WTs still are active, id be still following but feel very disconnected..distant and disappointed

I feel in a bit of a bind …The NRL has become a big part of my life during the winter these days …Im probably watching 5-6 games a week minimum … plus absorbing a lot of other RL media during the week …gotta have a team to follow I think ,,, but I’ll be struggling to support the WT team under HBG… Im not gunna lie ,,,the main reason is that I don’t think they care about the team and they will suck on the field , struggle to attract players and with no hope of turning it around,,

 

[TigerJunior4]

They wouldve been advised to make no comment on all this...as well as coaching staff etc

I think this is correct and it would put a tonne of pressure on the players too.

I think we’d have to go in the direction of fans boycotting games, raising concerns directly to sponsors, boycotting memberships, HGB venues, merch post-match to give added weight.

It would be great to have former players like Chris Lawrence come along though. He spoke out so well against the personal agendas holding the club back.

 

[Tom Shines]

As in recent news from read or this from last week?

I’m referring to Brent Read

 

[TigerNeddyK]

WE are hoping it's not the case but if Richo's done something dodgy then you can't have him at the rally.

JFC he has not done anything dodgy… its s a beat up , a smear campaign led by an ANONYMOUS complaint.. its is bloody obvious..