My Time as a Tigers Tragic

[TheKhan]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

 

[happy_tiger]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won

 

[BAGNF05]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Mate I’m around your vintage and feel exactly the same, you just put it way better than I could. 👍

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won

OUCH

 

[hobbo1]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won

We were robbed ?

 

[jadtiger]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won

You still got the spoon

 

[Goldust]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Loved reading that!
I can only imagine how you feel.i love that you finished it off with UP THE TIGES
We are all just waiting for the tigers to live up to their name.who knows when it will happen.......

 

[happy_tiger]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won


You still got the spoon

Youse got beaten by the Spooners .....At least we won something ....better than we got with the deal with Balmain

 

[jirskyr]

I'm afraid it's the reality of the modern-day NRL. Wests Tigers, previously Balmain, have never in my lifetime been a club that signs big-name stars from other clubs. Always been a development club, with the odd left-field move (e.g. Ellery Hanley) that turns out great.

Balmain 1986-1990 almost exclusively scouted young players that all came good at the same time.

Balmain 1991-1999 - rapid decline and inability to produce top-level juniors any more.

Wests biggest media-level signing is still Adam Blair and he was hopeless. We don't have the off-field clout of a Roosters, at least not at the moment. Souths didn't used to have that clout either and they were fair dinkum hopeless for the best part of decades.

If that kills the fun of the game, I understand, it's just the reality of it.

 

[jadtiger]

So I was born in the 80’s, a son of a die hard Balmain supporter. Supporting another team was never going to be an option while I lived in Dads house. Early in 89 we had to go to WA, Dad was a boilermaker and had a big job offer so off we went to WA in a motorhome he decked out for the 3 of us( Mum, him and me). I remember vividly tearing across the Nullarbo to get back to Sydney for the heartbreak that was the 89 Grand final, only for the first game of 1990 to be played at the WACA.

I was in high school when Wests and Balmain merged, I was equal parts heartbroken and relieved. Heartbroken because at the time Wests were the only team Balmain ever had a hope of beating and relieved because they didn’t merge with filthy, stinkin Parramatta. I got over the shock, saved money from my after school job and proudly purchased my very first Wests Jersey. On that day Balmain didn’t matter at all. I was all in, lock stock and barrel and I absolutely have been since then.

I cried when Laurie Nichols died, and when I started my apprenticeship and purchased my first dog there was no finer name I could think of than Laurie Nichols, by the end he was just “pickles” tho ( RIP mate).

I know I can’t be the only one here that remembers being ecstatic after Wests Tigers first game when we drew with Broncos THE BRONCOS. Since I have been able I have been a financial member of the Tigers, even tho I live on the Gold coast, I have the hats and pins and stickers to prove it.

2005 came out of no where and it was amazing. I couldn’t get to the Grandfinal because I had to work, but I couldn’t speak a word for a couple of days following… The merger worked, It had paid off Wests Tigers were a force to be reckoned with. Then 2006 came, followed by 2007,2008 …09..10 ..11..12..13……………………………………………………………………………………..2020
There has been some glimmers of hope along the way and they have been fun, but gees its been a dry spell, which you all know. But I have finally come to the point of my post.

I Have loved the tigers for the vast majority of my life, but just I don’t anymore. Now before I get the “ support the boys or keep walking “ from the younger members of the forum. It has nothing to do with the players that pull the colours on, and when they run out in 2021 I will be watching them.

My problem is the club. There are clearly issues people out of the professional loop don’t see. No one wants to play for the tigers except Jrs maybe. Big names use us as bargaining chips for contracts for other clubs Players that do come along that clearly love the jersey get treated like crap. And its not just the current administration even though Pasco presents himself like a homeless man. Don’t get me wrong im no oil painting but strike me pink that bloke has zero self respect.
Time after time we are told about rebuilding, and keeping our jrs and building from the bottom only for the same things to happen…

“Oh player X you're 34 and want a 4 yr contract for several hundred thousand dollars more than you're worth, Sure come on over”…..

“ Oh extremely talented jr that has played your entire life as a Magpie/Tiger go to the Roosters, or Storm with our other rejects and win titles we don’t want you”..

” Oh Club legends that have taken less money to stay at the tigers and build a club, the nobody new coach doesn’t like you so clear out your locker”….

The best player we have had for the past few yrs wasn’t even ours.

I have reached a point in life where the tribalism of rugby league isn’t as powerful as it once was and the conduct of the club in its treatment of players and its supporters has been atrocious. As a business there are only 15 competitors, and they that all do a better job than the Tigers... how long has the merger got left with the product it delivers? They certainly cant be attracting new supporters or maybe they are, I don’t know.

I also don’t know now what the point of this post is now. Maybe just to share. Maybe to see if im alone in the way I feel…… UP THE TIGES

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won


You still got the spoon

Youse got beaten by the Spooners .....At least we won something ....better than we got with the deal with Balmain

We won a premiership with Balmain as a JV which is certainly something i had never saw Wests do before,i am only 67.We have also never picked up a spoon as a JV which is something i hope we never do at least while i am alive.

 

[old_man_tiger]

Love the passion. It is fair to be critical when needed, there are green shoots and waiting for them to grow is frustrating. Retention and recruitment will get easier after the finals curse is dead and buried. I don't like thinking ahead at the moment as it really challenges my optimism. I have some issues with management but it has all been said elsewhere. Ultimately I want on field success and I want it now.

From what I know Balmain were underdogs since 1908, and I'm sure it was similar for Wests.

I have heard that when Balmain were great in the 1940s they literally changed the rules so that a team had to hand the ball over after X number of tackles. Our Wests brethren were robbed to suit the St George drag queen narrative. I was born in 1983 but this still rankles me because it happened to my new RL family.

1909 was one of the foulest acts in sport, up there with the underarm bowling by Chappell.

We have never been a glamour club and league is corrupt and rewards cheats.

But that's not us.

I'd be happy for us to base our club on tough defence and creative attack - not necessarily the biggest names but a good brand of footy. We have it in our DNA and we will see more success. When the Tigers finally emerge from the ashes then we will rub all the scumbags' faces in it together. If we win the 21 comp I will personally steal the rabbitoh and eel mascots and burn them with an effigy Cleary. I will even join tiktok and whip Roger Ramjet while he dances with his little sister's friends again.

 

[happy_tiger]

I'm afraid it's the reality of the modern-day NRL. Wests Tigers, previously Balmain, have never in my lifetime been a club that signs big-name stars from other clubs. Always been a development club, with the odd left-field move (e.g. Ellery Hanley) that turns out great.

Balmain 1986-1990 almost exclusively scouted young players that all came good at the same time.

Balmain 1991-1999 - rapid decline and inability to produce top-level juniors any more.

Wests biggest media-level signing is still Adam Blair and he was hopeless. We don't have the off-field clout of a Roosters, at least not at the moment. Souths didn't used to have that clout either and they were fair dinkum hopeless for the best part of decades.

If that kills the fun of the game, I understand, it's just the reality of it.

I would argue our biggest media signing was Tuqiri

 

[happy_tiger]

Tezza may have even been a bigger media signing ...especially with his Footy Show appearances

 

[the_third]

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won

Battles and wars happy.

 

[happy_tiger]

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won

Battles and wars happy.

We all know the last game was for keeps ....Wests won the battle and the war

 

[the_third]

Hye bro love the Passion ...but last game between Wests and Balmain ...Wests won

Battles and wars happy.

We all know the last game was for keeps ....Wests won the battle and the war

That was open under 5’s happy.

Shame neither of the exist anymore