We had 3 Back to back spoons... we needed stability going into round 1 this year and Vegas does not bring stability.
HBG, Independent Directors Sacked
- Thread starter BlackWhiteGold
- Start date
I think Vegas is a wait and see . It’s either next year or the year after no matter what anyway . If it’s the year after it’s Tigers , bears , PNG and whoever . It’s pretty much a guaranteed win , but hardly a “let’s go to Vegas”.
I think if the team is successful on and off the field , and people can just chill the F out , and let sleeping dogs lie for a while , and not give into their basic instinct , of constant shit constantly , then next year should be in play.
For me I’d say it will be a game of Titans - Dolphins and tigers v eels .
Some real rivalry games that the nrl can really package . To be honest this years teams are a bit of a let down .
Reigning Spoon team , the team favoured for the spoon , enigmatic team that no one goes for that lives south of Rockhampton , and the dogs … I mean who really wants to get on the piss somewhere with tens of thousands of dogs fans around . That sounds a recipe to get yourself into trouble. Especially if their team loses. A strong dogs team might be great for the nrl financially , but a testosterone fuelled dogs fanbase = yuck for away fans.
Jolls
Well-known member
While that could be an option I think both us and the parrasites would baulk at that option as the Easter Monday game is a big revenue raiser for us. Both clubs I think would negotiate with PVL away form that matchup so it is more likely that the Sydney Teams will play the canetoad teams and they would market it in that way.
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Maybe ? I think it would be a case of how much the clubs got revenue wise from Vegas , in comparison to the alternate game/return game of whoever hosted the Easter Monday game . I don’t think it would be either or either . I think it would be both .
Vegas in Feb/ early march , and Easter Monday in early April .
TheEnz
Well-known member
I don't think the match ups would make a difference to fan numbers at the games, that's why it would be the weaker matchups that would not draw a large crowd in Australia that they would play over there. Most fans are going there no matter who their team plays. Any yanks attending would probably be heading there to watch the game and not a particular team.
The Chad
Well-known member
What all the clubs want and dont want is in the SMH article in the Vegas thread
True. I’m just sure that would be a consideration . Maybe I’m putting too much value in it . Because everyone’s right eels v tigers is one of the real prestige fixtures every year , no matter how both teams are going
The Chad
Well-known member
What do the clubs get, revenue-wise, for playing in Vegas?
Not sure it matters? 3 spoons and finishing well outside the 8 dont scream success. We should get our backyard in order before entertaining novelties like playing in vegas.
Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon
Active member
Not enough orange in the Wests Ts jersey ? That's being a tad petty isn't it ?
I mean the collar and sleeve trimming was bright orange and their was a big orange tiger on the belly. No magpie on the sleeve and even the caps were emblazoned with WT club insignia.
#Irony101
Attachments
Quite like the jersey. The only ones I usually don't like are the white based ones. But I don't give a rats about the colour percentage I just go on what I think looks good and what doesn't.
gallagher
Well-known member
Ironic isn't it. HBG were mocked for being petty about the orange wests tigers jersey. Now fans are upset about not enough orange on a charity game jersey.
Seems like a lot of pettiness all round!
Being concerned about governance of the club has turned into sooking about inflatable animals.
Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon
Active member
Unity ?
Do you not remember; Darcy, Barnier all your poddy mates and the throng of pitchfork carrying inner city types threatening to march on Wests Ashfield - just a few short months back ?
To quote the great Hull Kingston Rovers fullback of yesteryear - Isaac Newton
"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction"
Jedi_Tiger
Well-known member
only HBG worries about too much orange in the TIGERS jersey, contributed to independents leaving as well as a CEO
Bus 2 Terrigal Lagoon
Active member
Jedi_T ...
Nah mate, that was a furphy - Catch up !
Jolls
Well-known member
This unity discussion is a symptom of the Club's problem and unfortunately it really doesn't help get us all rowing in the right direction. First let's identify the root casue of the issue. Most of what is thrown around on this forum is about self interest from both sides of the fence: it isn't about unity. We as supporters need to take a long hard look at ourselves and determine if we are part of the problem or want to be part of the solution. We have the freedom to make our own decsions and change the direction we take when debating the future of our club.
So yes — ego, historical grievance, and institutional self-interest have absolutely fuelled tension.
But that is not the root cause of our problems.
Politics → Governance Instability → Football Instability which kills performance cultures.
The evidence is there for all three elements of the fan base to see: board changes; CEO turnover; coach turnover and recruitment philosophy shifts. Every reset we endure prevents long-term cohesion. This is where we are right now - another reset and raised animosity between the different elements of the fan base.
Elite NRL clubs sustain success - Wests Tigers is not an elite club - and despite on field success will never be until the root cause of the clubs woes is addressed. What do we need?
Stable governance structures that empower football departments rather than interfere with them.
Wests Tigers’ problem isn't passion; all three elements of the fan base have it in bucketloads. Governance architecture is still a problem with the fan base - perceived or otherwise there is a smell that permeates every discussion.
The root cause is: A joint venture that never completed the psychological and structural transition from shared custody to unified ownership.
Until that shift happens, the club will oscillate between factions, narratives, and resets.
In my view change requires six deliberate moves.
1. Constitutional Reform. Constitutional reform that ends factional representation. This would remove legacy-based board allocation. No more: “Balmain or Wests appointed directors”. This must be the first step - unless constituational reform is undertaken management can "retake" ownership and direction as it sees fit. This does not change the ownership model - so Wests Ashfield retains it shares and benefits.
2. Skills-based, independent governance appointments. I know that this was the goal under Richo however, given that the constitutional reform had not take place this was reversed. Elite NRL clubs do
not seat directors to protect history; they seat directors to drive performance. Until Wests Tigers governance reflects that model, politics will always bleed into football.
3. Ring-Fence Football Operations Completely. Create a clearly defined separation:
4. Formally Declare the Identity Reset. This matters more than people think. The club should publicly declare:
“The joint venture era is complete. We are one unified club.”
Not legally but culturally.
We need to celebrate our previous premierships and our foundation history but we need to stop framing the present through the lens of past sacrifice. That can be driven by the fan base and each individual fan right here and right now.
Symbolism drives culture → Culture drives standards → Standards drive results.
5. Align the Incentives Between the Majority Owner and the NRL Club. The Wests Ashfield majority stake has created financial stability; however, that stability is not linked ot the NRL Club's ambition. HBG must formally commit to:
6. Commit, at HBG level, to a 5-Year Strategic Football Identity. Pick a model and stick to it: Shaun has enveiled Worlds Best NRL Pathways as his big hairy audacious goal - we need to enshrine this (or some other model) in our governance. With a change such as this we formally become a development (or systems or whatever) first club with systems that support the grown of our region and our NRL club. Being a development club is a realistic goal that is nested in the constitution of Wests Ashfield already - so no need to change direction - we just need to get on with delivering.
The Hard Truth. Wests Tigers does not lack passion, we see it here every day. We lack alignment. Until governance incentives, cultural identity, and football authority all point in the same direction, performance will remain inconsistent. The solution is not more emotion; the solution is Moral Courage. We need personnel in place that can make the hard right decisons over taking the easy wins that enable them to wear a blazer and get cheap seats at the footy.
We need to stop being a joint venture and start being a professional sporting organisation. So instead of sniping at each other here - we need to look at constructive ways to enable this to happen.
Time for some constuctive debate instead of the continual sniping. How do you think we could enable this?
Is the Root Cause “Self-Interest”?
There is some truth in this line. The joint venture Wests Tigers has always been emotionally fragile because it has merged two proud foundation clubs. Unfortunately, the financial collapse of Balmain Leagues Club led to Wests Ashfield acquiring the controlling interest in the football club structure. That power shift altered not just voting rights — but perceived legitimacy. Legacy supporters on both sides have long felt: “We saved you"; “You took us over”; “You erased us” and “We carry the burden” to name a few.So yes — ego, historical grievance, and institutional self-interest have absolutely fuelled tension.
But that is not the root cause of our problems.
The Root Cause?
The root cause is the structural misalignment of incentives; with the key issue being that Wests Tigers performance incentives do not align with the controlling entity’s financial incentives. If we look at the competing interests:- Wests Ashfield (as the primary financial backer) is incentivised toward asset stability and risk mitigation.
- The NRL football program is incentivised toward competitive risk, bold recruitment, and performance volatility.
Why? Our Identities Were Never Fully Integrated
The joint venture was administratively merged and was never emotionally unified. Even now, with those that argue that it is only Wests Tigers there is no unity because most also see rusted on Magpies and Tigers as "the problem". The brand “Wests Tigers” exists — but only psychologically:- Some still see Balmain.
- Some still see Wests.
- Most probably see a single modern entity; that is constantly beeing dragged down by our history. This continues to fester - with some labelled as dinosours, Fibros or Balmainge
Politics → Governance Instability → Football Instability which kills performance cultures.
The evidence is there for all three elements of the fan base to see: board changes; CEO turnover; coach turnover and recruitment philosophy shifts. Every reset we endure prevents long-term cohesion. This is where we are right now - another reset and raised animosity between the different elements of the fan base.
Elite NRL clubs sustain success - Wests Tigers is not an elite club - and despite on field success will never be until the root cause of the clubs woes is addressed. What do we need?
Stable governance structures that empower football departments rather than interfere with them.
Wests Tigers’ problem isn't passion; all three elements of the fan base have it in bucketloads. Governance architecture is still a problem with the fan base - perceived or otherwise there is a smell that permeates every discussion.
So What Is the Root Cause?
The root casue is not just self-interest; it is not Balmain vs Wests vs Wests Tigers alone.The root cause is: A joint venture that never completed the psychological and structural transition from shared custody to unified ownership.
Until that shift happens, the club will oscillate between factions, narratives, and resets.
The Solution: Move From “Joint Venture” to “Single Entity”
The problem isn’t Balmain; it isn’t Wests; it isn't the 90% ownership model. The problem is that we still operate as a managed alliance rather than a unified professional sporting organisation.In my view change requires six deliberate moves.
1. Constitutional Reform. Constitutional reform that ends factional representation. This would remove legacy-based board allocation. No more: “Balmain or Wests appointed directors”. This must be the first step - unless constituational reform is undertaken management can "retake" ownership and direction as it sees fit. This does not change the ownership model - so Wests Ashfield retains it shares and benefits.
2. Skills-based, independent governance appointments. I know that this was the goal under Richo however, given that the constitutional reform had not take place this was reversed. Elite NRL clubs do
not seat directors to protect history; they seat directors to drive performance. Until Wests Tigers governance reflects that model, politics will always bleed into football.
3. Ring-Fence Football Operations Completely. Create a clearly defined separation:
- Board = Strategy + Financial oversight
- Football Department = Performance + Recruitment + Culture
4. Formally Declare the Identity Reset. This matters more than people think. The club should publicly declare:
“The joint venture era is complete. We are one unified club.”
Not legally but culturally.
We need to celebrate our previous premierships and our foundation history but we need to stop framing the present through the lens of past sacrifice. That can be driven by the fan base and each individual fan right here and right now.
Symbolism drives culture → Culture drives standards → Standards drive results.
5. Align the Incentives Between the Majority Owner and the NRL Club. The Wests Ashfield majority stake has created financial stability; however, that stability is not linked ot the NRL Club's ambition. HBG must formally commit to:
- Minimum football investment thresholds.
- Long-term facilities planning.
- Development pathways aligned with Western Sydney growth.
6. Commit, at HBG level, to a 5-Year Strategic Football Identity. Pick a model and stick to it: Shaun has enveiled Worlds Best NRL Pathways as his big hairy audacious goal - we need to enshrine this (or some other model) in our governance. With a change such as this we formally become a development (or systems or whatever) first club with systems that support the grown of our region and our NRL club. Being a development club is a realistic goal that is nested in the constitution of Wests Ashfield already - so no need to change direction - we just need to get on with delivering.
The Hard Truth. Wests Tigers does not lack passion, we see it here every day. We lack alignment. Until governance incentives, cultural identity, and football authority all point in the same direction, performance will remain inconsistent. The solution is not more emotion; the solution is Moral Courage. We need personnel in place that can make the hard right decisons over taking the easy wins that enable them to wear a blazer and get cheap seats at the footy.
We need to stop being a joint venture and start being a professional sporting organisation. So instead of sniping at each other here - we need to look at constructive ways to enable this to happen.
Time for some constuctive debate instead of the continual sniping. How do you think we could enable this?
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Jolls
Well-known member
PART 2
HBG are not the enemy. They are certainly part of the problem but unless we "the fans" have an insider within the debenture holder group we can only push reform from the bottom up. To do that we as fans need to reframe our conversations and educate our fellow fans. In doing this we can push reform from the bottom up - not through rallies or rants but through education.The Bottom-Up Reform Plan
Phase 1: Reframe the Conversation (Stability First)
Objective: Shift the narrative from blame to structure.We must consistently communicate that:
- The issue is with Wests Tigers is governance alignment — not individuals.
- Change is about professionalisation, not revolution.
- The goal is unity and performance stability.
- Attacking named directors.
- Re-litigating Balmain vs Wests history.
- Emotionally loaded language.
- Independent, skills-based board.
- Ring-fenced football operations.
- Unified identity.
Phase 2: Build a Credible Support Base (Not a Mob)
Random outrage gets ignored while structured and consistent representation gets heard. No insults. No politics. Just clarity. Is this something the Fans Representative Group could progress? We need to engage members of Wests Ashfield - not Wests Tigers Fans and Members.- Wests Ashfield Members vote.
- Wests Ashfield Members have constitutional relevance.
- Membership of Wests Ashfield/HBG.
- Attendance at AGMs.
- Formal questions submitted respectfully.
Phase 3: Use Formal Governance Channels
If the constitution allows (I am unsure at present if it does):- Submit formal member questions ahead of AGMs (need to dig into the Wests Ashfield Constitution)
- Request transparency around governance review processes.
- Ask for independent governance audits (not accusatory — performance-driven).
Phase 4: Protect Football Stability While Advocating Reform
This is critical. Reform must not:- Undermine the coach.
- Destabilise recruitment.
- Attack current players.
The messaging must always include: “We support the team. This is about strengthening the structure around them.”
Phase 5: Encourage Independent Review, Not Forced Overthrow
We need to either cooerce HBG to relook at the review already conducted or of their own volition conduct another one. An independent governance review conducted by external sports governance experts will avoid:- Board coups
- Public civil wars
- Media circus narratives
What Bottom-Up Should NOT Become
It must not turn into:- “Spill the board” campaigns.
- Balmain vs Wests tribal revival.
- Social media pile-ons.
- Leaks and factional lobbying.
The Strategic Leverage Points
Fans actually hold more influence than they think:- Membership growth
- Sponsorship optics
- Media narrative tone
- AGM engagement
- Cultural pressure toward unity
The Tone That Wins
Calm.Structured.
Future-focused.
The message must be: “We are not angry. We are ambitious.”
That distinction changes everything.
The Long Game
Governance reform takes 2–3 years minimum. But cultural pressure can begin immediately.If enough members consistently articulate the same structured reform message, it becomes easier for internal leaders to justify change.
Bottom-up reform succeeds when:
- It reduces instability.
- It provides cover for reformers inside the system.
- It aligns with long-term financial security.
The Ultimate Goal
Not control.; Not revenge; Not Ownership.The goal is to make Wests Tigers structurally boring off-field — so they can become dangerous on-field.
So what can we do, as individuals, right now to push the ball down the hill?
As an individual you can support the club by thinking about how you converse with others and other fans. Think about the narrative you should push when you enter into a debate here, a discussion with your mates down the club and more importantly whenever you have an opportunity to address any of the individuals in position of authority.As a fan/member we need to be cogniscant that what we say has influence; it can promote unity or divisiveness. Our discussions should reiterate that:
We are not seeking control; We are seeking alignment.
We are not seeking division; We are seeking unity.
We are not fighting yesterday’s battles; We are building tomorrow’s premiership club.
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cochise
Well-known member
That's why I raised it, they could have shown they were the bigger people but chose not to.
HBG created this situation, its their responsibility to fix it.
cochise
Well-known member
Exactly right, HBG blew up.the club again so fans protested. HBG had an opportunity to try and fix it but decided to double down.
