HBG, Independent Directors Sacked

[Vicious]

Agree about the ex-players having a say but still want the 4 independents with different skills that are relevant to the club's status.

Then after they have achieved what they were added to the board for a new one could take that place to tackle the next achievement needed.

Ex players could potentially be two more independent board members.
I am struggling to think of suitable ex Wests Tigers players. Robbie Farah would be perfect, but I’m not sure his recent departure was amicable.
I don’t know what it would take to get him involved, but I vividly recall Wade Graham saying he always had a lot of respect for Benji and is only a phone call away if he needs him.
Someone like him would be brilliant to be involved with our coaching staff or as our Football Manager or on the board.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Also , other successful teams have lower and junior grades with systems and plays that run all through the club to Matt’s even.. when the lower teams wear the same jersey and the juniors and reserve grade have a clear pathway that is symbolised by wearing the same uniform as the NRL team it is good for morale and club unity and gives a sense of belonging to the players and the fans .. it is obvious and I believe that any one that cannot admit this is either being disingenuous or is just too stupid and ignorant to debate with .. WeSts Tigers , a United club .. #HbgOut

Personally I'd love Wests Tigers to have teams in NSW Cup & Jersey Flegg moving forward.

However under the current NRL license and JV agreement, I don't see this as possible unless there is a big change in governance & directorships at HBG.

Then to me, a proposal could be to create a logical branding of the Wests Tigers pathways teams reflective of our ownership structure heavily weighted to Wests Magpies. Then have the Wests Tigers as the aspiration target for all our juniors coming through.

Harold Matts - Wests Magpies & Balmain Tigers
SG Ball - Wests Magpies & Balmain Tigers
Sydney Shield - Balmain Tigers
Jersey Flegg - Wests Magpies
Ron Massey Cup - Balmain Tigers
NSW Cup - Wests Magpies
NRL - WESTS TIGERS

* Macarthur WT still in AJC & LDC

Apologies to Ryde-Eastwood Hawks!

All players from U17s to Open live & learn the legacy & history of both the Wests Magpies & Balmain Tigers with the ultimate being to make the Wests Tigers squad.

It would require HBG to fund Balmain in 2 other competitions but have the Magpies in Flegg.

I would also ensure Wests Tigers branding is front & centre upon entry at all HBG clubs to reinforce the Wests Tigers brand as its primary brand.

Just trying to apply logic here without politics or emotion as I've reached the numb stage atm.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Ex players could potentially be two more independent board members.
I am struggling to think of suitable ex Wests Tigers players. Robbie Farah would be perfect, but I’m not sure his recent departure was amicable.
I don’t know what it would take to get him involved, but I vividly recall Wade Graham saying he always had a lot of respect for Benji and is only a phone call away if he needs him.
Someone like him would be brilliant to be involved with our coaching staff or as our Football Manager or on the board.

I believe a business orientated board of women and men moving forwards offers WTs a greater chance of success on and off field.

 

[Vicious]

I believe a business orientated board of women and men moving forwards offers WTs a greater chance of success on and off field.

So they will be experts on whether potential big value marquee player signings or retention are value for money at the contract value being offered ?
Surely some people who specialise in rugby league are required ?

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

So they will be experts on whether potential big value marquee player signings or retention are value for money at the contract value being offered ?
Surely some people who specialise in rugby league are required ?

You employ & entrust your Head Coach, GM of Football, CFO & CEO for this. You don't want the Board telling you who you can & can't sign. They are just there to ensure the proper processes, checks & budgets have been adhered to.

 

[pawsandclaws1]

So they will be experts on whether potential big value marquee player signings or retention are value for money at the contract value being offered ?
Surely some people who specialise in rugby league are required ?

We have that with the CEO, recruitment officer etc.

 

[innsaneink]

He said:
"An opportunity to discuss a fairer representation would go a long way in ending 25 years of war.”

Ending 25 years at war suggests he feels weve been at war for a quarter of a decade
Its clear as day

‘25 years of war’: Wests Tigers need a strongman to take charge

The boardroom bickering that has bedevilled the joint venture since its inception in 1999 will only come to an end when the club appoints a real leader to run the show.

www.smh.com.au

 

[Vicious]

Personally I'd love Wests Tigers to have teams in NSW Cup & Jersey Flegg moving forward.

However under the current NRL license and JV agreement, I don't see this as possible unless there is a big change in governance & directorships at HBG.

Then to me, a proposal could be to create a logical branding of the Wests Tigers pathways teams reflective of our ownership structure heavily weighted to Wests Magpies. Then have the Wests Tigers as the aspiration target for all our juniors coming through.

Harold Matts - Wests Magpies & Balmain Tigers
SG Ball - Wests Magpies & Balmain Tigers
Sydney Shield - Balmain Tigers
Jersey Flegg - Wests Magpies
Ron Massey Cup - Balmain Tigers
NSW Cup - Wests Magpies
NRL - WESTS TIGERS

* Macarthur WT still in AJC & LDC

Apologies to Ryde-Eastwood Hawks!

All players from U17s to Open live & learn the legacy & history of both the Wests Magpies & Balmain Tigers with the ultimate being to make the Wests Tigers squad.

It would require HBG to fund Balmain in 2 other competitions but have the Magpies in Flegg.

I would also ensure Wests Tigers branding is front & centre upon entry at all HBG clubs to reinforce the Wests Tigers brand as its primary brand.

Just trying to apply logic here without politics or emotion as I've reached the numb stage atm.

Geez HBG will make you chairman of their board with that proposal BWG.
Only joking you are a very fair man with brilliant knowledge of our pathways, it’s pity soneone doesn’t make you an offer too good to refuse to be directly involved.
I don’t think it’s necessary to change our Jersey Flegg team from Wests Tigers and eventually having Wests Tigers as our NSW Cup team will happen, it’s inevitable but I just don’t think now is the right timing.
I am guessing Wests Magpies will eventually become our Ron Massey Cup team.

 

[Vicious]

You employ & entrust your Head Coach, GM of Football, CFO & CEO for this. You don't want the Board telling you who you can & can't sign. They are just there to ensure the proper processes, checks & budgets have been adhered to.

Good point
We don’t currently have a GM of Football do we ?
This is the role where I think someone like Robbie Farah or Wade Graham would be very good. Joel Caine would be even better, but I assume he’s on big money where he currently is.

 

[innsaneink]

Theres only one side
Wests Tigers

 

[innsaneink]

That is why if the NRL decided to revoke the license and reissue it to a new owner, putting in $1.4m pa is not a big ask.

If they didnt sack half the board......that made quite a profit this year....if they let them continue on their upward trajectory, hbg wouldnt need to tip in anything

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Geez HBG will make you chairman of their board with that proposal BWG.
Only joking you are a very fair man with brilliant knowledge of our pathways, it’s pity soneone doesn’t make you an offer too good to refuse to be directly involved.
I don’t think it’s necessary to change our Jersey Flegg team from Wests Tigers and eventually having Wests Tigers as our NSW Cup team will happen, it’s inevitable but I just don’t think now is the right timing.
I am guessing Wests Magpies will eventually become our Ron Massey Cup team.

Haha yeah a lot will depend on how the future corporate governance of the club is set up and what, if any, parameters PVL has insisted on moving forward.

It makes sense to most to have Wests Tigers as the brand from NRL through NSW Cup to Jersey Flegg but, as we stand under the current governance, that is unlikely to happen.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Good point
We don’t currently have a GM of Football do we ?
This is the role where I think someone like Robbie Farah or Wade Graham would be very good. Joel Caine would be even better, but I assume he’s on big money where he currently is.

No we don't as Mielekamp was in that role. Not sure who a replacement could be as I'm sure Benji would have a big say. This role needs someone very financially savvy as well as highly respected and a knowledge of pathways through to high performance systems.

 

[nrlsurvivor]

Why are we still calling this a joint venture? My company merged with another just three years ago and we’ve since moved on as a united force.

 

[kiwitiger]

Why are we still calling this a joint venture? My company merged with another just three years ago and we’ve since moved on as a united force

The answer is in the question.
You moved on as a united force.
WTs [This word has been automatically removed] and moan about everything.
Would not be a problem if they were asking about what is best for WTs.
But sadly not

 

[Craegus]

History shows many things, but I prefer to look to the future.

History is meant to show us how we got to the place where we are now, and to not keep making the same mistakes if things have not gone well.

And yet here we are again not learning from those past mistakes where HBG cannot run a Rugby League team. We don't need to wait to see what happens, we have had enough proof of it in the past.

 

[area52]

Anyone have access to the who in who out code article

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Barry O’Farrell returns as chairman but Holman Barnes Group tightens grip on Wests Tigers
Holman Barnes Group has seized control of the Wests Tigers board despite Barry O’Farrell’s return as chairman following weeks of fan protests. See the make-up of the revamped board.

Michael Carayannis
December 17, 2025 - 4:00PM

Holman Barnes have regained control of the Wests Tigers despite former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell’s third coming as chairman.

In the face of growing fan discontent and just days after up to a 1000 people rallied against the Tigers management, the new-look Tigers board met for the first time on Monday night with Holman Barnes now having a stranglehold on the club. It was the first time the Tigers board met since the Holman Barnes Group removed four independent board members – including O’Farrell – which also resulted in Shane Richardson leaving the club as chief executive.

It is understood the new look board comprises of five Holman Barnes or Western Suburbs members giving the 90 per cent shareholders of the Tigers a strong majority in what is hoped to be a nine person board.

It is understood that Holman Barnes chief executive Daniel Paton, Holman Barnes deputy chairman Frank Primerano, Holman Barnes board member Mick Liubinskas and Holman Barnes chief commercial officer Michelle Nielsen make up the Holman Barnes representatives on the revamped board.

NEW-LOOK WESTS TIGERS BOARD STRUCTURE

Barry O’Farrell (chairman): Returns for his third stint as Tigers chairman despite the former NSW Premier being axed by the Holman Barnes Group just two weeks ago. One of the four independent directors to formally return.

Daniel Paton: Has been Holman Barnes Group chief executive since February after a long career in finance. Former chairman Lee Hagipantelis said he was left “very unimpressed” after a recent interaction.

Frank Primerano: Genuine powerbroker who yields the most influence on the Holman Barnes Group. The lawyer has been Holman Barnes deputy chairman since April.

Mick Liubinskas: Ex-Magpie and Balmain first grader. Recently retired from the IT sector. Is also on the Holman Barnes board.

Michelle Nielsen: Long-term employee of the Holman Barnes Group. Has been their chief commercial officer for the past four months.

Leo Epifania: Ex-Magpie who is a club stalwart. Is officially a Magpies representative but they are in line with Holman Barnes. Was on the previously.

Danny Stapleton: Ex-Tiger who represents Balmain’s 10 per cent share in the Wests Tigers. Also on the board previously.

Leo Epifania returns as the Magpies representative while Danny Stapleton will continue to be Balmain’s voice on the board.

Holman Barnes chairman Dennis Burgess stood down from the Tigers board but remains as boss of the Tigers major shareholders. Burgess denied his resignation was linked to the discovery that his Instagram account follows hundreds of sexually explicit pages.

While O’Farrell has quickly returned to his role as chairman after the NRL’s intervention just two weeks after being sacked the same cannot be said for the three other independent board members who were also axed.

The quartet were all offered their positions back.

Two of the trio Annabelle Williams and Michelle McDowell remained locked in dialogue with Holman Barnes about what a potential return would look like. The third member Charlie Viola has indicated that he won’t be returning.

A statement made by Holman Barnes regarding the reason why the quartet were stood down has since been removed from their website. Paton also discussed the reasoning in a staged video which has also been deleted.

Despite the uncertainty at board level, the Tigers still re-signed coach Benji Marshall until the end of 2030 last week.

The Tigers board is not due to meet again until February.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Two of the trio Annabelle Williams and Michelle McDowell remained locked in dialogue with Holman Barnes about what a potential return would look like.

If Annabelle & Michelle do return, it tells me there is some hope for this Board. If they do not, they must have serious question marks on its governance moving forward.

 

[area52]

Barry O’Farrell returns as chairman but Holman Barnes Group tightens grip on Wests Tigers
Holman Barnes Group has seized control of the Wests Tigers board despite Barry O’Farrell’s return as chairman following weeks of fan protests. See the make-up of the revamped board.

Michael Carayannis
December 17, 2025 - 4:00PM

Holman Barnes have regained control of the Wests Tigers despite former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell’s third coming as chairman.

In the face of growing fan discontent and just days after up to a 1000 people rallied against the Tigers management, the new-look Tigers board met for the first time on Monday night with Holman Barnes now having a stranglehold on the club. It was the first time the Tigers board met since the Holman Barnes Group removed four independent board members – including O’Farrell – which also resulted in Shane Richardson leaving the club as chief executive.

It is understood the new look board comprises of five Holman Barnes or Western Suburbs members giving the 90 per cent shareholders of the Tigers a strong majority in what is hoped to be a nine person board.

It is understood that Holman Barnes chief executive Daniel Paton, Holman Barnes deputy chairman Frank Primerano, Holman Barnes board member Mick Liubinskas and Holman Barnes chief commercial officer Michelle Nielsen make up the Holman Barnes representatives on the revamped board.

NEW-LOOK WESTS TIGERS BOARD STRUCTURE

Barry O’Farrell (chairman): Returns for his third stint as Tigers chairman despite the former NSW Premier being axed by the Holman Barnes Group just two weeks ago. One of the four independent directors to formally return.

Daniel Paton: Has been Holman Barnes Group chief executive since February after a long career in finance. Former chairman Lee Hagipantelis said he was left “very unimpressed” after a recent interaction.

Frank Primerano: Genuine powerbroker who yields the most influence on the Holman Barnes Group. The lawyer has been Holman Barnes deputy chairman since April.

Mick Liubinskas: Ex-Magpie and Balmain first grader. Recently retired from the IT sector. Is also on the Holman Barnes board.

Michelle Nielsen: Long-term employee of the Holman Barnes Group. Has been their chief commercial officer for the past four months.

Leo Epifania: Ex-Magpie who is a club stalwart. Is officially a Magpies representative but they are in line with Holman Barnes. Was on the previously.

Danny Stapleton: Ex-Tiger who represents Balmain’s 10 per cent share in the Wests Tigers. Also on the board previously.

Leo Epifania returns as the Magpies representative while Danny Stapleton will continue to be Balmain’s voice on the board.

Holman Barnes chairman Dennis Burgess stood down from the Tigers board but remains as boss of the Tigers major shareholders. Burgess denied his resignation was linked to the discovery that his Instagram account follows hundreds of sexually explicit pages.

While O’Farrell has quickly returned to his role as chairman after the NRL’s intervention just two weeks after being sacked the same cannot be said for the three other independent board members who were also axed.

The quartet were all offered their positions back.

Two of the trio Annabelle Williams and Michelle McDowell remained locked in dialogue with Holman Barnes about what a potential return would look like. The third member Charlie Viola has indicated that he won’t be returning.

A statement made by Holman Barnes regarding the reason why the quartet were stood down has since been removed from their website. Paton also discussed the reasoning in a staged video which has also been deleted.

Despite the uncertainty at board level, the Tigers still re-signed coach Benji Marshall until the end of 2030 last week.

The Tigers board is not due to meet again until February.

So the NRL basically done nothing