Drama At Wests Tigers

batboy said:
Why you do that - no, I know nothing on these metrics you speak of….

I’m wondering how you though we were so amazing? Our won loss tells me - we may have been, about 40% of the time.

Parras membership numbers doubled ours back then (probably still do) - and they were mostly worse than us…
The reason I referenced memberships, is because I’ve always been disappointed in our numbers… until more recently.

I also remember getting about 9k to the opening home game of the season - 2013 maybe (against Panthers) at Cambo.

The way you bang on about how bad we “are now” seems to me that you remember us better (and more popular) than we actually were…
Or does adding a bit of GST on those old days just help sell your anti Pascoe agenda? I don’t know…

What I do know - is you bang on about every single win loss or anything else you can muster in the last 7 years… whilst glazing over the 15 before it, like the last 7 don’t do it justice…

We’ve been crap for most of our existence, on the pitch and off the pitch and there numbers on numbers on numbers to reference on it - why are the last 7 more important and more significant to you… because you don’t like JP is my guess.
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Struck a nerve did I? Winning a Comp and making the finals, even coming 9th and being in with a shot in rd 26… those were the days.. sorry about your memory loss.
 
tony soprano said:
Sir, what goes in house should stay in house. Didn't think I needed to point out that leaking this crap to the media is not ok. That's the main issue here.
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There's been a lot of leaking by someone, or a few people a lot closer to the WT hierarchy than the Chairman of Western Suburbs.

I'm not pointing fingers but there are some a lot 'closer to home's not keeping things in house.

I have my suspicions, but they are just that, and I'll keep it to myself.
 
joebob said:
On the eve of their latest rebirth, Wests Tigers are facing more internal drama following claims that club bosses are not accountable and are part of the reason the club has struggled on the field for the past decade.

Western Suburbs District Rugby League Football Club chairman Shannon Cavanagh says Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis and chief executive Justin Pascoe need to acknowledge they are at least part of the problem at the club that finished with the wooden spoon last season.

Cavanagh is speaking out today before a disciplinary hearing he will front this week relating to a conversation he had with Pascoe in front of a club sponsor.

“They [Pascoe and Hagipantelis] are really lacking in self-awareness if they can’t acknowledge they are a big part of the issues at the club,” Cavanagh said. “I think they don’t listen and they can’t handle criticism at all. There is an arrogance that exists at the club and I don’t know why they would feel like that given the way the Wests Tigers have performed.”

The disciplinary hearing relates to a conversation Cavanagh had with Pascoe at the launch of the Tigers’ centre of excellence. During a lengthy and sometimes heated conversation, Cavanagh was asked by Pascoe who he thought should run the club. He suggested SEN radio host Jimmy Smith.

“He asked me out of the blue and I said Jimmy,” Cavanagh said. “And when I think about it he would be good. He played for Wests, knows footy and he has an MBA. I think he’d be a good choice.”

This column has the letter of complaint written by Hagipantelis tearing strips off Cavanagh. The letter to the Wests club says in part: “Mr Cavanagh’s conduct was reprehensible. In his capacity as Chair of Wests Magpies, he has not only embarrassed himself, but also your Club. More importantly from my perspective, and what is of particular concern to my Board, is that said conduct occurred in the presence of, and in fact engaged, sponsors of Wests Tigers. It has been now necessary for me to proffer a formal apology on behalf of Wests Tigers to Mr Fabry and to the other Sponsor with whom I spoke, for Mr Cavanagh’s misconduct.

“What is most galling is the arrogant presumption of Mr Cavanagh that he is in any position to level criticism of the Wests Tigers. To my understanding, confirmed by my discussions with our CEO, Mr Justin Pascoe, Mr Cavanagh has had absolutely no involvement in our Club’s operational matters ... In those circumstances, Mr Cavanagh has no foundation, let alone any entitlement, to criticise our CEO, Mr Justin Pascoe, the culture of our organisation and the manner in which it is operated or make any comment with respect to staff.

“... This is not the first occasion Mr Cavanagh has embarrassed himself by engaging in vitriol and criticism, in a public setting, of the Wests Tigers. The conduct being the subject of this complaint should therefore not be construed as a one-off but, somewhat disturbingly, a pattern of conduct.

“It is the view of the Wests Tigers Board that Mr Cavanagh is not a fit and proper person to fill the role of Chairman of Wests Magpies, or indeed, hold a membership.”

Cavanagh denied that he was in any away aggressive or out of line in his conversation with Pascoe. In a letter detailing the night, Cavanagh writes: “After I arrived home, I sent him [Pascoe] a direct message via Instagram at 11:56pm which said: ‘Thanks for the hospitality??? If that is Wests Tigers culture, we have problems. Very poor.’

“I also sent a text message to Simon Cook, the CEO of Wests Ashfield at 11:18pm which said: ‘Wow, Justin’s a great guy. And his mates’. I believe that my response to Mr Pascoe’s question concerning the CEO of Wests Tigers was reasonable given the facts that: (a) Wests Tigers have not made the finals whilst Mr Pascoe has been CEO since 2015; b) in 2022, Wests Tigers finished last; c) the media has branded the organisation with the terms such as ‘basket case’, ‘laughing stock’ and ‘embarrassment’, and; d) in 2018 the NRL suspended Mr Pascoe for six months due to ... not disclosing contracts as required under salary-cap regulations.”

Hagipantelis and Pascoe were contacted but declined to comment. Cavanagh’s hearing is this week.


**Lay off Angus**

The only issue anyone should care about when it comes to Angus Crichton is his health.

The fascination with Crichton is understandable from a news-hungry fan base, but whenever mental health is involved everyone needs to pull back. The mainstream media can’t control the messages floating around on social media, but they can respect the seriousness of what Crichton is dealing with.

One media organisation, or more particularly one journalist, hid behind the “staff writers” tag to break a story that many others knew about, but chose not to report, given the sensitivity. Most in the media know this is not something that anyone other than Crichton or his family can speak about.

I spoke with his father, Charlie, on Thursday. I will not disclose what was said, but he was highly emotional. His concern and love for his son was evident and the tears flowed. He and the rest of his family are going through hell. No one wants to see their child struggling.

Charlie Crichton contacted me because he wanted to make a statement on behalf of his son; to generously let the world in to at least know some of what they are dealing with: that Angus has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

To all those people on social media who criticised the release of the statement, they need to know that Charlie wanted to say something. I didn’t have his phone number before Thursday, and that was the only time I have talked to him. Charlie wanted to discuss how the statement should be released.

Like everyone else, my view is that the only important thing is Angus’ health. And if he is well, fit and thriving in his career, he may one day be in the position to share his thoughts and experiences. If not, everyone should accept that.


**Joe and tell**

We brought you the news last week of the secret Souths contract offered to Joseph Suaalii, and also told you how the Roosters were running out of patience with his agent, Isaac Moses.

The amount that Suaalii can earn if he activates the contract option in his favour for 2024 is $700,000. That’s $100,000 less than the Souths offer for 2024. But the Bunnies were ready to pay another $1.9 million for the following two years.


**Welcome back, SBW**

The Bulldogs have come a long way and are a united bunch. That is evident by who spoke to the team at one of their final pre-season training sessions.

Sonny Bill Williams was invited by coach Cameron Ciraldo and general manager of football Phil Gould to speak to the team. It’s quite the turnaround for SBW, who went from being a favourite son to despised at Belmore after walking out on the club and a lengthy contract in 2008.

Ciraldo initially wanted Williams to present the first-grade team with their jumpers before their first game of the NRL season, but Williams had prior commitments.

The Bulldogs are reconnecting with their past and have Willie Mason working with the squad, while Mark O’Meley also has a role with the club. The inclusion of Josh Jackson on their fitness staff is also a smart play, given the lack of experience in the playing ranks.


**Politis cheesed off**

Roosters chairman Nick Politis is thrilled with new recruit Brandon Smith, but he’s not as delighted with his nickname, “Cheese”. Politis is on the lookout for a new nickname for the Roosters No.9. “Can’t we find him a better name than the Cheese?” Politis said. “We need something more eastern suburbs.”

It was Andrew Johns who started calling Smith the “block of cheese” in commentary, but only the “Cheese” part stuck.

Smith has settled into the eastern suburbs, where he starts most days spearfishing off the rocks at north Bondi, where he’s joined by Victor Radley, who is also full of life.


**Dragons ryled up?**

The hottest rumour in town during the week was that Jason Ryles had been approached to take over as Dragons coach from next year.

There is no question that Anthony Griffin is under extreme pressure and the seemingly never-ending off-field dramas don’t help.

Ryles was quizzed about whether he’d been approached, and he denied any contact with the Dragons. His manager, George Mimis, confirmed this.

Just a few weeks ago, the strong word coming out of the Dragons was that the board was happy for Griffin to continue. You can’t help but think recent behavioural issues and a lacklustre display in the Charity Shield will be testing that resolve.


**Millie on the boil**

Knights NRLW premiership-winning captain Millie Boyle has joined Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sports and will appear on the network’s NRL and NRLW coverage this season.

Boyle has been in high demand and was pursued by Fox League but chose to go with Nine.

It’s been a big year off the field for Boyle: she got engaged to Knights recruit Adam Elliott and won TV show SAS Australia, all while winning the women’s State of Origin clash and NRLW title.
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Cavanagh sounds like a bit of a tool who can't keep his mouth shut after a few.
 
batboy said:
Not at all - nice deflection…
We came 9th in JP’s reign of terror too didn’t we? Twice - from memory…

So it was glory days and “glamour club” under Sheens and Benji… and inexcusable under JP…

Got it - thanks for reaffirming your position (not that you needed to)
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9th > 11th > something > something > something > stone motherless 😂
 
batboy said:
I reckon old mate would have received at least the content of the complaint
prior to being asked to the show cause meeting...
It's definitely narrated towards Cavanagh more so than the Club...
He's about to loose his position and is going out ion a hail of gunfire - Or on the front foot at least.
- As most in this type of situation do.
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Regardless - he spoke truth to power (JUST in the WRONG setting).

He is the last bloke who should be crucified for the sins of Pascoe and Hagipantellis!

These blokes lack so much self awareness & are blinkered by their own personal notions of being successful that they agreed to a fly-on-the-wall documentary that the CEO in particular loved the camera and thought he was presenting a well-run professional organisation to the NRL public!!

Instead (as everyone with a fricking CLUE knew) - it just demonstrated the basket-case the club was (and is still likely to be until that poser gets run out of town back to AFL-land)!!
 
batboy said:
Not at all - nice deflection…
We came 9th in JP’s reign of terror too didn’t we? Twice - from memory…

So it was glory days and “glamour club” under Sheens and Benji… and inexcusable under JP…

Got it - thanks for reaffirming your position (not that you needed to)
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Your selective statistics clearly belie your passion fot the underperforming CEO!!

Meanwhile reality proves he is shit at his job!!!
 
How anyone who calls themself a WESTS TIGERS NRL team supporter can have more passion for a dud CEO than the fricking best interests of the team is beyond imbecilic!!

WAKE UP and smell the last 10 years under Pascoe!!

Anyone who thinks he is the best we can do has no idea!

He is a show-pony poser like his Chairman!

WESTS TIGERS deserve MUCH MUCH BETTER than these L-PLATE CLOWNS!!
 
Snidest 0 said:
How anyone who calls themself a WESTS TIGERS NRL team supporter can have more passion for a dud CEO than the fricking best interests of the team is beyond imbecilic!!

WAKE UP and smell the last 10 years under Pascoe!!

Anyone who thinks he is the best we can do has no idea!

He is a show-pony poser like his Chairman!

WESTS TIGERS deserve MUCH MUCH BETTER than these L-PLATE CLOWNS!!
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You are entitled to be an idiot
 
You sound like an ignorant keyboard warrior who likes backing losers because the rest of the herd do!

@Snidest 0

Ugh. You again... 🙄

Let it go, Mr Cavanagh.
 
Snidest 0 said:
How anyone who calls themself a WESTS TIGERS NRL team supporter can have more passion for a dud CEO than the fricking best interests of the team is beyond imbecilic!!

WAKE UP and smell the last 10 years under Pascoe!!

Anyone who thinks he is the best we can do has no idea!

He is a show-pony poser like his Chairman!

WESTS TIGERS deserve MUCH MUCH BETTER than these L-PLATE CLOWNS!!
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People who only look at ceo performance through a lense of footy results have no idea.

Look, these guys have made mistakes and they need to take some reponsibilty. Theyve selected the wrong coach, time and time again. The point was right from cavanagh, but the whole wrong setting and therefore, completely in the wrong.

But surely you see how much good work has been put into "setting up for success" in terms of ensuring the resources are there.

The ship is about to turn. I can feel it.
 
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Alltheway said:
Disagree as stated by many previously, the club/s have been poor for decades. It’s hard to turn that around.
But a
New COE
Making a profit
Signing new coaching team
Best off season signings this season by any team
Etc, etc
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Did you leave off organisational development from your list because you don’t think things could improve in that area? Or because things have not improved?
 
Say what you like about Cavanagh, but remember this? He is unique, because he was elected, which means that there are others in the club who recognise the problem and want positive change.
Surely there are supporters who want to start winning?
Nobody else think it’s time we stopped developing players for other clubs?
Stopped being a goose laying golden eggs for retirees?
C’mon, isn’t it time the club came out of the dark ages?
Souths had a similar issue, but campaigned for change and it shows on the park every weekend. And...Piggins has his life membership back!
 
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Pascoes_barber said:
Maybe I'm the odd one out, but personally I don't want someone in the position because they're a 'fan' of the club, or their company puts money in as the primary sponsor (or both). I want some ruthless business people who can make hard decisions and get deals done.
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Jason Taylor is still looking for work I hear? He has a great record with the North Sydney Bears.

Look it's completely wrong headed. I once met a psychologist who worked at Manly (yes I gave her my sympathies). She loved the club and team. Instead of getting a uni graduate, you got a 1st rate professional working for unders.

You will not build the culture you seek if you make this purely business. Instead you will get $$$ Matterson, who will argue for more $$$ the instant he shows form.

Were not going to win comp's being a business vs 16 other businesses who are trying the same thing. Ooops, Easts (no idea why), Brisbane, Penrith have entire communities behind them. Once your Liam Martins and Shayne Webcke's take unders to play for their teams, running an opposing club on a pure business model fails.
 
twentyforty said:
Did you leave off organisational development from your list because you don’t think things could improve in that area? Or because things have not improved?
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wait, you just had 4 massive improvements.
"
New COE
Making a profit
Signing new coaching team
Best off season signings this season by any team
Etc, etc"

So you want a board to spread themselves thin and do a half arsed re-organisation as well? Lets change everything all at once.
 
crazycat said:
wait, you just had 4 massive improvements.
"
New COE
Making a profit
Signing new coaching team
Best off season signings this season by any team
Etc, etc"

So you want a board to spread themselves thin and do a half arsed re-organisation as well? Lets change everything all at once.
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Is that what you think OD is 😂
 
Snidest 0 said:
Regardless - he spoke truth to power (JUST in the WRONG setting).
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I don't get this. How did he do this ? To speak truth to power you need some facts and details and logic. He was just an angry emotional fool.
 
Snidest 0 said:
How anyone who calls themself a WESTS TIGERS NRL team supporter can have more passion for a dud CEO than the fricking best interests of the team is beyond imbecilic!!

WAKE UP and smell the last 10 years under Pascoe!!

Anyone who thinks he is the best we can do has no idea!

He is a show-pony poser like his Chairman!

WESTS TIGERS deserve MUCH MUCH BETTER than these L-PLATE CLOWNS!!
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This is just an emotional rant with again no facts/logic etc.

We are ordinary but we've always been ordinary and I fail to see why the CEO/Chairman is to blame for dud performances on the field in a comp where there is so much rorting going on.

I'm a Wests Tigers supporter and I don't give a stuff who is CEO or chairman. I just want to win more games. I also don't have any facts about how bad the CEO or chairman are apart from emotional rants.

Give me a calm rational argument with detailed points and you won't get that in a rant like this. You need to take a step back and go and write down logical points and research those points etc.

I want to see details but I don't think your argument or Cavanagh's argument had those details. If they are available it's simple to argue those points.
 
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