Tucker
Well-known member
Yes he released a Strategic Plan and it has some bold statements within it. I think it is light on for specifics and does invovle a lot of jargon but essentially, it presented a pathway ofRicho has focused on addressing structural issues, rebuilding the club’s culture, and supporting the development of a competitive roster. Key aspects include:
- Stabilisation and Strategic Vision: The first thing he accomplished was the development of a strategic plan to guide the club into the future. He established some lofty goals and from this developed and commenced execution of an operational plan to achieve the goals. He emphasised the importance of stability in coaching, roster management, and governance. This approach aligns with his proven model at other clubs; particularly Souths, where he contributed to their 2014 premiership
- Innovate
- Revenue Streams
- Brand and Awareness
- Community Impact
- Grow
- Membership
- Commercial Partnerships
- Fan Experience
- Community Reach
- Deliver
- Success across all divisions of the club
- For the members
- Improved financial results
He also set up a second office in Cambpelltown to help engagement with the South West Corridor.
Importantly, it strives to establish the club as development, not recruitment focused.
We targetted 10,000 members @ $1.6M in revenue, $6.5M in corporate sponsorships, 9,300 registered juniors, put no ceilings on the success of the NRL and NRLW squads and he wanted 140 school visits.
Have to do some digging to see how these targets faired, but the success of the two squads was a failure.
He has had enough time to evaluate if the Marshal appointment was worthwhile.
- Partnership with Benji Marshall: He did not appoint Benji as the coach; however, has strongly backed him. He has worked to ensure that Benji has the resources needed to rebuild the team, focusing on strengthening the roster. The appointment of Hodgo as an assistant coach has raised questions about the quality of the recruiting process and the panel interviewed; in some circles this has reflected poorly on Richo’s judgement. The performance of the NRL team in 2025 will make or break the coaching staff. However, as Benji was appointed by the previous administration Richo is in a win/win situation. Success will favour his judgement and failure will enable him to rectify the poor judgement of the previous administration for appointing an inexperienced coach on such a long-term contract.
Categorically backing a young, inexperienced coach with 2 spoons collected in his first 2 years of contract cannot continue without considerable improvement.
Whatever culture we have, Benji was instrumental in its early construction as a player.
- Cultural Reset: He, along with Benji, are addressing the longstanding cultural and structural issues within the club. Early indications suggest progress, with renewed optimism among stakeholders and increased engagement with fans and sponsors.
He has now thrown his weight behind family first. Lets see how it goes....
Up until now, I dont see a positive cultural reset.
He has stated we will become the largest Rugby League Nursery in the world and will be a consistent top 4 club. No schedule has been added to these targets and no depth to the ooperational plans.
- Challenges Ahead: Despite efforts, our competitive struggles persist. Achieving tangible on-field success remains a critical goal. Achieving the strategic intent of dragging West Tigers from the bottom of the NRL to a high performing organisation both on and off the field will take some time. On balance the club appears to be heading in the right direction.
How long should he be given to see results..3 years?, 5?..10? indefinite?
At the moment I also think he is the right man for the job, but he has had some hiccups in his first year that raised my eyebrow once or twice.Overall, Richo’s tenure, has brought a sense of direction and professionalism that I don’t think the club has seen previously. While his efforts to instil stability and support Benji have been widely praised in the media, the true measure of his impact will lie in the club’s ability to translate these changes into sustained on-field success. With significant challenges still ahead, Richo’s leadership has so far only laid the foundation. Significant work is still required to build the Club; however, for the first time in over a decade there is hope of a brighter future.
I think he's the right man for the job.
I liked how he shut down team Galvin mid season and killed that news story. I like how he is bringing good players such as Luai in.
I am undecided about how he has handled Bateman and Miller. and what occurred on his jaunt to the mother country.
I dont like his attitude towards non-membered supporters, the Crocodile Roll, boasting in the media or The Outlaws nonsense.
I also think he underestimated the project he was undertaking.
Happy for now, but another bottom 4 finish will put some pressure on as he has put himself out there recently without really needing to.