Harry interested in buying Wests Tigers

[hammertime]

They'll be despised if they don't relinquish what they own?

Yep, I think we can see a lot of people on here wouldn't be happy if they didn't have a good reason, that's for sure. Personally, I would despise them if they stopped us being all we could be.

Lets be clear here. A NFP Club is owned by it's members. It's not owned by the guys who sit on the board. It's key stakeholders are the community at large and they have a very clear mandate - to help local League.

If we have a scenario where by Harry gives Wests a handsome payout, they could use that to fund local league like it never has been before. That would give the community a very strong NRL team and extremely strong feeder base via the juniors.

On the other side of the coin, we could continue to limp along. Meet our bills and never become a powerhouse.

There is one better that meets their mandate better than the other.

That said, any agreement, Wests would have valid outs on anything that doesn't match up financially, succession plans or keeping them in a reasonable involvement level.

If the community want it, and they do if this forum is anything to go by, then Wests (along with Balmain) should be speaking to Harry to work out a deal.

 

[Blackpearl]

They'll be despised if they don't relinquish what they own?

Yep, I think we can see a lot of people on here wouldn't be happy if they didn't have a good reason, that's for sure. Personally, I would despise them if they stopped us being all we could be.

Lets be clear here. A NFP Club is owned by it's members. It's not owned by the guys who sit on the board. It's key stakeholders are the community at large and they have a very clear mandate - to help local League.

If we have a scenario where by Harry gives Wests a handsome payout, they could use that to fund local league like it never has been before. That would give the community a very strong NRL team and extremely strong feeder base via the juniors.

On the other side of the coin, we could continue to limp along. Meet our bills and never become a powerhouse.

There is one better that meets their mandate better than the other.

That said, any agreement, Wests would have valid outs on anything that doesn't match up financially, succession plans or keeping them in a reasonable involvement level.

If the community want it, and they do if this forum is anything to go by, then Wests (along with Balmain) should be speaking to Harry to work out a deal.

agree hammertime, time is now for action on the weststigers future. if a proven supporter / long time sponsor of the tigers and weststigers is wanting to have ownership with the perfect opportunity presenting itself now then i can only see all positive aspects. buy in harry !

 

[Guest]

Obviously Harry has not moved on.

And if he doesn't want a partnership with Wests Ashfield its a dictatorship run by someone who cares little for one side of the JV.

No wonder Balmain likes the idea.

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. You haven't looked at this rationally from the beginning and are still banging on about Wests and Balmain.

 

[Guest]

It's also interesting that somehow this injection of cash will translate to results on the field…mkay

Infrastructure, resources and buying power - three things the club currently lacks Geo, bigtime.

 

[Guest]

In the article Balmain chairman Leslie Glenn mentioned he is open to any possible help for Balmain remaining part of the JV.

But A Harry buy out means no more JV.

Not adding up atm.

It doesn't add up because as a JV we are not successful. Still don't know what part of that you don't understand.

 

[bp_tiger]

i am a old balmain fan, but i am more than happy with wests tigers, wish u hatefull wests supporters could move on or go support the eels. balmain and wests are dead and gone.

 

[TrueTiger]

In the article Balmain chairman Leslie Glenn mentioned he is open to any possible help for Balmain remaining part of the JV.

But A Harry buy out means no more JV.

Not adding up atm.

It doesn't add up because as a JV we are not successful. Still don't know what part of that you don't understand.

Actually Willow you are correct,the JV has been unsucessfull because of the factional inhouse fighting,there is no reason that it cant work out if all things were equal,the new independant board may bring the JV together as a stronger unit.The previous mess of years of squandering is what has put us in this situation we are in…WESTS were...BALMAIN were... WESTS TIGERS are..and if Harry helps then all the better...

 

[GNR4LIFE]

They'll be despised if they don't relinquish what they own?

Yep, I think we can see a lot of people on here wouldn't be happy if they didn't have a good reason, that's for sure. Personally, I would despise them if they stopped us being all we could be.

Lets be clear here. A NFP Club is owned by it's members. It's not owned by the guys who sit on the board. It's key stakeholders are the community at large and they have a very clear mandate - to help local League.

If we have a scenario where by Harry gives Wests a handsome payout, they could use that to fund local league like it never has been before. That would give the community a very strong NRL team and extremely strong feeder base via the juniors.

On the other side of the coin, we could continue to limp along. Meet our bills and never become a powerhouse.

There is one better that meets their mandate better than the other.

That said, any agreement, Wests would have valid outs on anything that doesn't match up financially, succession plans or keeping them in a reasonable involvement level.

If the community want it, and they do if this forum is anything to go by, then Wests (along with Balmain) should be speaking to Harry to work out a deal.

You're speaking with your heart on your sleeve. It's very easy for you cos you aren't in their position. See what happens when someone tries to buy something extremely precious to you and you say no then you're despised for it. Be disappointed that things didn't work out with Harry, but who are you, or anyone else for that matter, to tell somebody what their rights are with something they own. They aren't under any obligation to do anything to appease disgruntled supporters.

 

[marzie]

NRL 2015: Balmain legend Benny Elias backs billionaire Harry Triguboff’s interest in buying Wests Tigers
Dan Walsh
FOX SPORTS
August 14, 2015 7:00AM
3 COMMENTS
ONE of the Tigers’ favourite sons has backed the interest expressed by billionaire Harry Triguboff in buying the club outright.

Balmain legend Benny Elias welcomed Fairfax Media’s report on Thursday that 82-year-old property developer Triguboff — ranked by Forbes magazine as the 280th wealthiest person in the world — would be willing to finance the battling Tigers in a privatisation bid.

With the Balmain half of the joint venture having until March 31 next year to front up around $2.5 million in debt to the NRL or face having their shareholdings in the club sold off, Elias declared Triguboff as the ideal solution to years of financial instability and infighting between the Balmain and Western Suburbs factions of the club.
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Harry Triguboff (centre) is awarded "Property Man Of The Year" in 2003 alongside Tigers greats Benny Elias (left) and Wayne Pearce (right). Pic Noel Kessel. Source: News Corp Australia
As the founder and managing director of Meriton, the joint venture’s inaugural sponsor, Triguboff has enjoyed a long partnership with the club, offering crucial financial support for first Balmain and then the amalgamation with Western Suburbs in the late 90s when the NRL streamlined to a 14-team competition and the Tigers faced extinction.

Despite that 15-year sponsorship reportedly expiring at the end of this season, Triguboff told Fairfax that “Unofficially I’m trying to find a way [in]” in regards to privatising the Tigers.

“He should do it effective immediately,” Elias said.

“There’s no one better, you’re talking about a bloke who knows what to do and what’s required for success.

“He would bring the same principles to the game as he has in the business world, and he won’t settle for second best — they don’t like losing these people.

“He’s been a true supporter of the game. When you’ve got people like him in your organisation, success breeds success.

“He’s no Nathan Tinkler, he’s Harry Triguboff.”

While the property tycoon’s interest hasn’t progressed beyond flagging discussions with Tigers officials, Elias was effusive in his praise of Triguboff and the business nous he could bring to the club.

It’s been a tough past few years for the Tigers both on and off the field, having not played finals football since 2011 and seen coaches Tim Sheens and Mick Potter depart in acrimonious circumstances in that time.

Last September the NRL appointed three independent directors to the Tigers’ seven-person board, on which Balmain’s two representatives do not have any voting rights until a $4 million loan from the start of last season is repaid to the game’s governing body.

Compounding the club’s woes, last month chairwoman Marina Go declared it could take up to three years for the club to unravel a series of salary cap issues that have severely impacted upon the club’s rebuilding plans.

It’s hardly the makings of an attractive sales pitch, but with Triguboff already declaring any bid for privatisation would have “nothing to do with business,” Elias believes he would have the support of the majority of Tigers stakeholders.

“I think he’ll get support from both factions — both the Western Suburbs and Balmain elements,” Elias said.

“The only issue I could see would be the NRL in regards to do they want to privatise their clubs having been burnt before — and I think they would still be on board given Harry’s standing and the stability he could bring.

“I think it’s the best move for the club and the future of the Wests Tigers, and it goes without saying that he’d have their support.

“Balmain owe money to the NRL — in the vicinity of $2.5 million. At the moment they’re waving a magic wand to get that. A bloke of Harry Triguboff’s stature, financing that wouldn’t be a problem.

It all adds up from the Balmain point of view.

“Without a doubt a man of his calibre, knowledge and expertise would certainly take the Tigers to the next dimension. His appeal is to the workers, the blue singlet workers which is Wests to a tee. It all works and adds up, he’d be a godsend.”

 

[hammertime]

You're speaking with your heart on your sleeve. It's very easy for you cos you aren't in their position. See what happens when someone tries to buy something extremely precious to you and you say no then you're despised for it. Be disappointed that things didn't work out with Harry, but who are you, or anyone else for that matter, to tell somebody what their rights are with something they own. They aren't under any obligation to do anything to appease disgruntled supporters.

Yes they are under an obligation.

The directors themselves don't own anything . It's a Club. A community organisation. They are agents acting on behalf of their members, under a specific remit to help league. Which is pretty much people like the disgruntled supporters you mention. So, no. you are incorrect. The people and community (via the members), are the voices that the directors should have guiding them. The people have an absolute right to tell them what to do.

If the board are proper business people, they will need to look at the constitution and have to weigh up which option provides the best outcome for the community, league and the members according to it. Even my social golf troupe refers to the constitution all the time to make the right decision.

I would suggest all people in support of this move from Harry to sign-up as General Members of Wests Ashfield (if you haven't already).

 

[Bob_Sacamano]

This is the best way forward for us.

It simply has to happen and to be honest I think it should have happened 15 years ago.

It can't happen soon enough as far as I'm concerned.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

You're speaking with your heart on your sleeve. It's very easy for you cos you aren't in their position. See what happens when someone tries to buy something extremely precious to you and you say no then you're despised for it. Be disappointed that things didn't work out with Harry, but who are you, or anyone else for that matter, to tell somebody what their rights are with something they own. They aren't under any obligation to do anything to appease disgruntled supporters.

Yes they are under an obligation.

The directors themselves don't own anything . It's a Club. A community organisation. They are agents acting on behalf of their members, under a specific remit to help league. Which is pretty much people like the disgruntled supporters you mention. So, no. you are incorrect. The people and community (via the members), are the voices that the directors should have guiding them. The people have an absolute right to tell them what to do.

If the board are proper business people, they will need to look at the constitution and have to weigh up which option provides the best outcome for the community, league and the members according to it. Even my social golf troupe refers to the constitution all the time to make the right decision.

I would suggest all people in support of this move from Harry to sign-up as General Members of Wests Ashfield (if you haven't already).

No they are not under any obligation to sell anything they own. Would you be obliged to sell your house if you didn't want to? You're allowing your heart to control your head with this thought processes

 

[balmain boy]

The joint venture hasn't worked. Too much infighting at all levels. Too much naivety. Poor recruitment on and off the pitch.

A premiership can only act as a band-aid for so long.

Time for change, time for action, time for money.

Who cares who pay's Wests Tigers bills?

All Balmain and Wests have shown over the past 25 years is the ability to drive their own clubs into the ground.

Will the WT's presence in Balmain or Wests change simply due to who's paying the bills? No. No more than what may happen anyway in regards to home ground allocations.

Having a single and articulate plan for the future, and the funding to get started, no need for a million stakeholder meetings, just plan and do.

Any Wests Tigers fan who doesn't want Harry to take over obviously isn't a real WT fan, but still hanging onto previous affiliations. (I'm not one to go into a pissing contest about 'real' fans, i hate those petty discussions) but this is a WT matter, not a Balmain v Wests. The future success of WT is what's up for discussion. Anyone who doesn't want what's best for the Wests Tigers obviously hasn't fully embraced the club.

 

[rex2ce]

I will probably get howled down here , but I have a basic idea that has not been mentioned.
What if Wests Group were to lease their board seats to HT for a finite period , with a succession deal arranged which gives 2 seats back to Wests and 2 seats back to a financially stable Balmain when Harry moves on , I am assuming Harry will pay Bamains debt which gives him 4 seats on the board at this point and therefore control.
In the interim both Wests and Balmain could concentrate their finances on NYC and NSW Cup sides (better coaches for one ) after which we might have three well funded sides in finals contention every year
What do people think?

 

[Snake]

NRL 2015: Balmain legend Benny Elias backs billionaire Harry Triguboff’s interest in buying Wests Tigers
Dan Walsh
FOX SPORTS
August 14, 2015 7:00AM
3 COMMENTS
ONE of the Tigers’ favourite sons has backed the interest expressed by billionaire Harry Triguboff in buying the club outright.

Balmain legend Benny Elias welcomed Fairfax Media’s report on Thursday that 82-year-old property developer Triguboff — ranked by Forbes magazine as the 280th wealthiest person in the world — would be willing to finance the battling Tigers in a privatisation bid.

With the Balmain half of the joint venture having until March 31 next year to front up around $2.5 million in debt to the NRL or face having their shareholdings in the club sold off, Elias declared Triguboff as the ideal solution to years of financial instability and infighting between the Balmain and Western Suburbs factions of the club.
\
\
Harry Triguboff (centre) is awarded "Property Man Of The Year" in 2003 alongside Tigers greats Benny Elias (left) and Wayne Pearce (right). Pic Noel Kessel. Source: News Corp Australia
As the founder and managing director of Meriton, the joint venture’s inaugural sponsor, Triguboff has enjoyed a long partnership with the club, offering crucial financial support for first Balmain and then the amalgamation with Western Suburbs in the late 90s when the NRL streamlined to a 14-team competition and the Tigers faced extinction.

Despite that 15-year sponsorship reportedly expiring at the end of this season, Triguboff told Fairfax that “Unofficially I’m trying to find a way [in]” in regards to privatising the Tigers.

“He should do it effective immediately,” Elias said.

“There’s no one better, you’re talking about a bloke who knows what to do and what’s required for success.

“He would bring the same principles to the game as he has in the business world, and he won’t settle for second best — they don’t like losing these people.

“He’s been a true supporter of the game. When you’ve got people like him in your organisation, success breeds success.

“He’s no Nathan Tinkler, he’s Harry Triguboff.”

While the property tycoon’s interest hasn’t progressed beyond flagging discussions with Tigers officials, Elias was effusive in his praise of Triguboff and the business nous he could bring to the club.

It’s been a tough past few years for the Tigers both on and off the field, having not played finals football since 2011 and seen coaches Tim Sheens and Mick Potter depart in acrimonious circumstances in that time.

Last September the NRL appointed three independent directors to the Tigers’ seven-person board, on which Balmain’s two representatives do not have any voting rights until a $4 million loan from the start of last season is repaid to the game’s governing body.

Compounding the club’s woes, last month chairwoman Marina Go declared it could take up to three years for the club to unravel a series of salary cap issues that have severely impacted upon the club’s rebuilding plans.

It’s hardly the makings of an attractive sales pitch, but with Triguboff already declaring any bid for privatisation would have “nothing to do with business,” Elias believes he would have the support of the majority of Tigers stakeholders.

“I think he’ll get support from both factions — both the Western Suburbs and Balmain elements,” Elias said.

“The only issue I could see would be the NRL in regards to do they want to privatise their clubs having been burnt before — and I think they would still be on board given Harry’s standing and the stability he could bring.

“I think it’s the best move for the club and the future of the Wests Tigers, and it goes without saying that he’d have their support.

“Balmain owe money to the NRL — in the vicinity of $2.5 million. At the moment they’re waving a magic wand to get that. A bloke of Harry Triguboff’s stature, financing that wouldn’t be a problem.

It all adds up from the Balmain point of view.

“Without a doubt a man of his calibre, knowledge and expertise would certainly take the Tigers to the next dimension. His appeal is to the workers, the blue singlet workers which is Wests to a tee. It all works and adds up, he’d be a godsend.”

This article does it for me once this clown Elias jumps in that's me gone …now we really see where all this is coming from. We all want this club to move forward and everybody is complaining about no money yet one side is viable and willing to put capital in but the other side is broke so the other side cannot .Now when someone offers some money WELL let's sell the club .Hello there is a partner willing to put money in already what the hell is going on . On a side note hasn't Mr Elias already done enough damage to one side of this venture or does he want another bite! Unbelievable.

 

[hammertime]

You're speaking with your heart on your sleeve. It's very easy for you cos you aren't in their position. See what happens when someone tries to buy something extremely precious to you and you say no then you're despised for it. Be disappointed that things didn't work out with Harry, but who are you, or anyone else for that matter, to tell somebody what their rights are with something they own. They aren't under any obligation to do anything to appease disgruntled supporters.

Yes they are under an obligation.

The directors themselves don't own anything . It's a Club. A community organisation. They are agents acting on behalf of their members, under a specific remit to help league. Which is pretty much people like the disgruntled supporters you mention. So, no. you are incorrect. The people and community (via the members), are the voices that the directors should have guiding them. The people have an absolute right to tell them what to do.

If the board are proper business people, they will need to look at the constitution and have to weigh up which option provides the best outcome for the community, league and the members according to it. Even my social golf troupe refers to the constitution all the time to make the right decision.

I would suggest all people in support of this move from Harry to sign-up as General Members of Wests Ashfield (if you haven't already).

No they are not under any obligation to sell anything they own. Would you be obliged to sell your house if you didn't want to? You're allowing your heart to control your head with this thought processes

I was answering your statement. They are under an obligation to appease disgruntled supporters as they are governed by their members…. they will cross over.

These guys are elected representatives. It's not like someone owning a house. They should be acting on behalf of the greater good for local league. If you really want to use the house example, it would be like me saying that my strict remit is to own as many houses as possible, I have that written down in a big fat document agreed by everyone in my household and it's the sole reason for my existence, but then refuse when someone offers me enough money to buy three houses and satisfy my objectives to a greater extent than I'll ever be able to do with just my normal income.

If they were to reject any bid which allowed them to expand their assistance to league, then they will be doing exactly what you said and putting heart over head. That's not what I'm doing at all.

 

[gallagher]

Well I'm glad someone asked Elias what we should do. We don't hear enough from him. Lol
Things are getting dirty already, the off season should be good for a change.

 

[supercoach]

Half the reason the Balmain side of the venture is a basket case is because we got into bed with Benny, I would be looking for traps if Benny is advising the club to run with it. Great footballer but ,,,,,,,,,

 

[gallagher]

Half the reason the Balmain side of the venture is a basket case is because we got into bed with Benny, I would be looking for traps if Benny is advising the club to run with it. Great footballer but ,,,,,,,,,

He'll be sniffing around harry that's for sure.
I think balmain need to put their hands up for the good of the club and respectively withdraw from the joint venture. They won't come up with the money by March so just put us all out of our misery. Then at least we can get the ownership sorted out before next season.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

You're speaking with your heart on your sleeve. It's very easy for you cos you aren't in their position. See what happens when someone tries to buy something extremely precious to you and you say no then you're despised for it. Be disappointed that things didn't work out with Harry, but who are you, or anyone else for that matter, to tell somebody what their rights are with something they own. They aren't under any obligation to do anything to appease disgruntled supporters.

Yes they are under an obligation.

The directors themselves don't own anything . It's a Club. A community organisation. They are agents acting on behalf of their members, under a specific remit to help league. Which is pretty much people like the disgruntled supporters you mention. So, no. you are incorrect. The people and community (via the members), are the voices that the directors should have guiding them. The people have an absolute right to tell them what to do.

If the board are proper business people, they will need to look at the constitution and have to weigh up which option provides the best outcome for the community, league and the members according to it. Even my social golf troupe refers to the constitution all the time to make the right decision.

I would suggest all people in support of this move from Harry to sign-up as General Members of Wests Ashfield (if you haven't already).

No they are not under any obligation to sell anything they own. Would you be obliged to sell your house if you didn't want to? You're allowing your heart to control your head with this thought processes

I was answering your statement. They are under an obligation to appease disgruntled supporters as they are governed by their members…. they will cross over.

These guys are elected representatives. It's not like someone owning a house. They should be acting on behalf of the greater good for local league. If you really want to use the house example, it would be like me saying that my strict remit is to own as many houses as possible, I have that written down in a big fat document agreed by everyone in my household and it's the sole reason for my existence, but then refuse when someone offers me enough money to buy three houses and satisfy my objectives to a greater extent than I'll ever be able to do with just my normal income.

If they were to reject any bid which allowed them to expand their assistance to league, then they will be doing exactly what you said and putting heart over head. That's not what I'm doing at all.

This is going round in circles. Just have to agree to disagree.