OFFICIAL Q&A Club discussion with Shaun Mielekamp

[Buttface]

every year there is a problem lol
tickets are wrong
tickets sent to wrong address
attention to detail

Professionalism.

It’s a big word and it’s easier to not be, but it can help you win.

 

[hammertime]

HBG has 20 Debenture holders roughly ?

Every tigers game at the 20 minute mark the supporters should turn there back on the game as a protest to HBG for 1 minute.

This would generate coverage, stupid Voss would be like "what are they doing ?"
it might gain some attention.

That's not a bad idea.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

not bad

I'd posit chucking 20c coins at them.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

May we well say God save the king, because nothing will save Wests Tigers

 

[twentyforty]

A few weeks ago, I went to Belmore Oval to watch Javon Andrews play in person.
One thing I will never understand is how we can possibly ever be a truly united entity when our reserve grade team is fully represented only by one side of the merger. If you play for the Wests Tigers and you are a contracted player, you should play for the Wests Tigers. Not Balmain and not Wests.

What made it even more concerning for me was that there were ex-players/club officials in Wests polos, rain jackets and hoodies.

We need to unite, fully, completely and totally.

If we have 12 home games, play six at Campbelltown and six at Leichhardt.
Once revamped, there is no longer an excuse.

We can have a heritage jersey, if necessary or play one game in the bush/magic round but from next season, enough is enough.

Forward looking from now on only.
Let's remove the rear vision mirror once and for all.

Bubba,
That is such a great idea!
It would have the backing of 99% of fans I reckon. It would make the coaches jobs a lot easier. There’s really no downside except cost, due to both Wests Magpies and Balmain wanting to keep the status quo.
Why don’t they keep the magpies and introduce an extra team in KOE?
The WT KOE team could play a curtain raiser to the NRL game.
Presents another problem though, how would we fit 50,000 into those small grounds? There’s a heap of “sleeper supporters” wanting something to cheer about, why not turn them into financial supporters?

 

[Milky]

Liltiger - I am doing this and agree that there are some systemic challenges at the club that is keeping us in this loop. I can guarantee you that I am currently looking into the issues as I see them and more importantly looking to focus on how to fix them. I'll be honest I don't have the answers right now but I'm am not going to stop until it is clear for everyone where we need to get to.

One of the biggest challenges is bringing all the fans together - it's actually one of the most significant rifts i have ever seen in a club and does have an impact on the entire organisation.

Is there ever a world where fans who are either Wests Tigers only, fans who are West Tigers and Wests Magpies fans and fans who are Wests Tigers and Balmain Tigers could all be in collective support of the club? I initially thought that the only way to achieve this was to win football games on the field - however there is a connection here between the two and when i see the younger generation of fans coming together and not caring if the jersey being worn next to them has a Pepper, Victor or Phillips brand on the front it gives me a lot of hope for the future.

Just a thought for one of the items we need to find a way to resolve if the club is ever going to truly move forward.

Whilst it’s good the club is taking comfort in the younger generation of fans, like myself, who don’t care about the colour of the jersey, etc, I made the point on another thread that a 16 year old fan has never seen the Tigers play finals. I personally haven’t witnessed a finals series that I can remember.

The club needs to be prioritising the retention of these fans because it is very easy to become disinterested following years of failure. Whilst we wouldn’t necessarily support other clubs (I can only speak for myself), I can only reflect on the lows this club has achieved, and I take no satisfaction in any prior success because I simply do not remember it.

So you can imagine, there is very little positivity in my support for this club. If it wasn’t for this forum, I probably would have tuned out a little while ago. I barely watch the NRL anymore because I have learned not to care, and I haven’t properly watched a WT game since we copped a belting from Penrith. A day on my weekend I had set aside to watch my team compete.

If we can’t achieve results on the field, we need to be doing things off the field for the younger generation to keep them engaged.

Of course, no criticism of you, but just a general observation.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Whilst it’s good the club is taking comfort in the younger generation of fans, like myself, who don’t care about the colour of the jersey, etc, I made the point on another thread that a 16 year old fan has never seen the Tigers play finals. I personally haven’t witnessed a finals series that I can remember.

The club needs to be prioritising the retention of these fans because it is very easy to become disinterested following years of failure. Whilst we wouldn’t necessarily support other clubs (I can only speak for myself), I can only reflect on the lows this club has achieved, and I take no satisfaction in any prior success because I simply do not remember it.

So you can imagine, there is very little positivity in my support for this club. If it wasn’t for this forum, I probably would have tuned out a little while ago. I barely watch the NRL anymore because I have learned not to care, and I haven’t properly watched a WT game since we copped a belting from Penrith. A day on my weekend I had set aside to watch my team compete.

If we can’t achieve results on the field, we need to be doing things off the field for the younger generation to keep them engaged.

Of course, no criticism of you, but just a general observation.

Finals just once in 15 years in a competition where half the teams play finals is a bar so low, it’s pretty much on the ground. And this club still can’t clear it.

 

[twentyforty]

Not sold on that idea?

Who's it going to hurt more?

Not saying it can't work but I would like to know how it would work? They could just flick us totally and support soccer teams and the KOE?

Maybe we should show we're strong without those clowns

Some years ago I was having a chat with a friend who had started a business with nothing and had built it to a size that needed 750 employees. My take away from that conversation was “I always made sure never to reward mediocrity.” It has a habit of lowering the benchmark.”

 

[Chunk]

You must be one of these people they talk of that love being the perennial losing underdog. You must be getting excited for this weekend?

We need change.

WT4L

Yes we need change but all I'm saying is, giving up your membership the right way to go about it....football club memberhip, not Wests Ashfield.

To tell you the truth, I wouldn't know for sure but its just what I think, you're taking money and support away from the football club.

If there is an 'expert' on here who knows how to change the situation, then thats great and let's do what they say. Maybe the fans can find someone who knows about this stuff?

Could letting the new CEO to try and build some bridges be more productive? Maybe? It would be easier for him with more money and support.

We all want the same thing.

 

[liltiger]

Yeah, agree. HBG debenture holders are already unaccountable for spending their members money. They will still get their blazers.

Can't be memberships. Needs to be viewership with the media deal negotiations. Need PVL to take action if the debenture holders won't do the right thing.

I like Adel and Garys suggestion on the pod, if its the nrlw team putting in get 10,000 in to watch them and ignore the N.R.L side. If the lads want to dish up garbage and whinge dont go, let the t.v audiance see an empty stadium. If the nrlw are putting in why shouldnt they get our support instead. Its a way of still supporting the club but saying to the club and N.R.L pull your socks up.

 

[liltiger]

I totally understand the rules introduced this season to allow 6 players on the NRL interchange bench has caused chaos as clubs do not want to risk playing these players named on their interchange bench before the NRL game due to fatigue and potential injury.
Hopefully the NRL recognises this is a big problem that is effecting the game time and in some cases development of players who spend far too much time sitting on the bench and not getting any game time and come up with a solution in addition to the players named 14-17, why not allow each club to name another 4-6 players to sit on the NRL bench as interchange options on the proviso that these additional players play at least some game time in NSW Cuo prior tj the NRL game.
This worked perfectly fine once upon a time and it was considered a privilege for players to play in two grades, sometimes 3 grades on the one day.

I always just assumed the N.R.L could fix all the interchange issus by working on a set number of changes per game that were permanent. No more on and off. Once your on your on. Id allow players on hia to be subbed to do an assessment. If they pass they return, if not the player who replaces them stays on. If a team try to be too smart for themselves and it looks like someones taken a dive for a free interchange and they pass an assessment they stay off. How many permanent subs per game 5 or 6. Makes the players fitter and all of these massivly built bodies we have running around eould become smaller and more athletic to keep up, maybe preventing injuries in contact duribg games. Just a thought i always had. I like that tge interchange becomes more tactical for a coach whos switched on aswell.

 

[Vicious]

I always just assumed the N.R.L could fix all the interchange issus by working on a set number of changes per game that were permanent. No more on and off. Once your on your on. Id allow players on hia to be subbed to do an assessment. If they pass they return, if not the player who replaces them stays on. If a team try to be too smart for themselves and it looks like someones taken a dive for a free interchange and they pass an assessment they stay off. How many permanent subs per game 5 or 6. Makes the players fitter and all of these massivly built bodies we have running around eould become smaller and more athletic to keep up, maybe preventing injuries in contact duribg games. Just a thought i always had. I like that tge interchange becomes more tactical for a coach whos switched on aswell.

I think that is a good idea.
Make it like soccer, once you are off you cannot come back on.

 

[426Tlgerland]

Shaun
Can you let the debenture holders ( HBG ) directors know that it would be better for the junior pathways , if we spend the money they will use to go to Vegas on the pathways system , we never see these directors anywhere so no need to go to Vegas but much better to spend the thousands of dollars it will take to get these people to Vegas on the juniors , it would be a very good move , we only need to send our coach , assistants coaches , head of football etc , we don’t need to send people just for a holiday , it would be a fantastic move by HBg to do this ,

 

[Tom Shines]

Shaun
Can you let the debenture holders ( HBG ) directors know that it would be better for the junior pathways , if we spend the money they will use to go to Vegas on the pathways system , we never see these directors anywhere so no need to go to Vegas but much better to spend the thousands of dollars it will take to get these people to Vegas on the juniors , it would be a very good move , we only need to send our coach , assistants coaches , head of football etc , we don’t need to send people just for a holiday , it would be a fantastic move by HBg to do this ,

lol …do you tell your bosses they can’t go on overseas business junket ?

 

[426Tlgerland]

lol …do you tell your bosses they can’t go on overseas business junket ?

Most don’t that are any good if the business Wests Tigers is running and looking like shit , the boss would be doing everything to fix it

 

[Tom Shines]

Most don’t that are any good if the business Wests Tigers is running and looking like shit , the boss would be doing everything to fix it

Plenty I know do…although a lot were better performers than ours

 

[KevB]

I don’t think there is a conflict between supporters of wests tigers. It’s a conflict of wests tigers supporters with HBG.

No conflict by wests tigers supporters with the original independent board and richo’s leadership, that was making positive progress. But it was blown up by HBG because they know better as shown by the shambles of the last 15 years.

If HBG don’t want to make decisions in the best interests of Wests Tigers, then supporters have little choice than conflict with HBG continuing.

The biggest challenge to wests Tigers success is HBG and its de facto non independent wests Tigers board

HBG has 20 Debenture holders roughly ?

Every tigers game at the 20 minute mark the supporters should turn there back on the game as a protest to HBG for 1 minute.

This would generate coverage, stupid Voss would be like "what are they doing ?"
it might gain some attention.

Childish in my opinion

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

That's not a bad idea.

it is something that can be done in stadium, it is not a protest outside or a protest in December, it may well gain traction and force the media to ask why is this happening, what are they doing etc.
It doesnt involve banners that security can ask to take down

It is a simple all tigers fans stand up and turn your back on the team at the 20 minute mark for 1 minute or so.
Or something similar in game is the key

 

[TrueTiger]

Hi Shaun,
I admire your input and conversations throughout this forum..I agree that you have a hard job ahead of you to get things in order for this team and club to be the successful entity it was supposed to be via the JV...
I have been a member and supporter of the WTs since inception,however,this year I have not attended games and I am seriously thinking of relinquishing my membership as of next year..
I no longer want to defend a club and team who is constantly under scrutiny due to the many failures we have endured over the years,not only on field but at the stupidity at board level,the so called owners and the debenture system..
As far as Western suburbs and Balmain go,they are HISTORY and I had a mate who played for the Maggie's in the 70s and was an strong Balmain supporter myself..
When all and sundry finally realise that we are members,supporters and fans of The Wests Tigers as a whole then this squandering of time and money arguing over the 2 foundation clubs that WERE part of our great game can no longer exist,this is the rift that still exists in the older generation..
I can only give you my best wishes and appreciate your efforts,however,it gives me no comfort having to face other successful teams members and supporters constantly abusing and calling me a loser for putting in money and time for no joy whatsoever to have to look forward to another year of dismal failure..
Thank you for your efforts and input to the forum...

 

[weststigers]

Hi Chunk, I appreciate the constructive question.

What I can do is communicate and engage with all 4 boards to ensure that they have a full understanding of what the club is going through and how we are moving forward. It is important to note that there are 4 boards here and they all play their vital part so communication is integral.

I saw and experienced this first hand at Penrith Panthers when I worked there as the alignment between to the football club and the group leagues club was important.
What is best for HBG, Magpies, Balmain and Wests tigers is a well performing club on and off the field. The structure of Wests tigers and HBG that you compare to the Bulldogs is of course very different and unique, I am keen to find the most effective model that we have within the current structure - anything outside of that is out of my control and definitely not in my JD.

So how can I help stop the perceived portfolio approach by HBG? Primarily is through the strong communication of the clubs needs and strategy. This will enable to focus on the governance decisions made by the club and result in the best allocation of resources available (and requesting more as needed in the right areas). There is obviously a long way to go here but it is important aspect to call out.

The primary role of boards HBG included is governance and whilst this seems a simple notion it does appear that over the course of the history of the club this has not always been the case. At times it is clear to me that boards have become involved in the operations and daily decision making, whilst at other times the board have been totally left out and unaware of key big impact decisions or areas that needed better corporate governance and regulatory oversight - I will leave you guys to align which moment match which issues in our history.

It's obvious that what is best for Wests Tigers will also be best for HBG so it is important this is a clear focus both in the long and short term.

For example right now there is a huge focus of my energy and drive on the pathways structure and resources. The club must be set up to ensure that the talent coming through are properly developed in all areas, physically, mentally, technically and cultural. This must come from the coaches, the club must put more energy resources and expertise into our coaching development and curriculum. I will have plenty more to roll out publicly about the detail in this but as it is a work in progress I need to crack on in getting this right quickly without rushing it as well.

Whilst it is match day today I had a moment of time and clear head space to jump on quickly and answer a couple questions, I will try and get to the rest through the week ahead.

I'm not sure I'm ever going to appease anyone being critical of me being a "HBG puppet" - they are the board and I report to them, my conversations with them must remain confidential and they are. I can't see the value in spending time trying to prove anything here either way for anyone when what I need to be doing is focus on doing my job and improving this club's results.

I'm happy to have hard conversations and I am having those conversation, but I would rather be judged for my actions than any words that are said on forum's, podcasts or in the media.

by being on here I just want to make sure that members of this forum do know that I am listening and appreciate their time, effort and support for the club. you are some of the most if not the most loyal fans I have ever seen.

Hopefully i see plenty of you at the game today and will jump back on later this week to catch up on so many questions and posts

Shaun,

I think I speak for many supporters, although obviously not all, when I say that the problems fans have with this club are too often misdiagnosed as some ongoing Balmain v Wests war.

Personally, I am sick of seeing the issue reduced to something so petty, because it avoids the much bigger issue: our largest shareholder, Holman Barnes Group, and the influence it has over Wests Tigers.

Balmain is a 10% shareholder with one board seat. It has not had meaningful power on the board for well over a decade. Yes, Balmain and Wests butted heads when the joint venture was 50/50, and there is plenty of history there, but that is no longer the structure we have. Balmain simply does not have the power to dictate the direction of Wests Tigers.

So, to be absolutely clear, this is not a Balmain/Wests argument.

The club is called Wests Tigers. That is the club we should be building, strengthening and growing.

What many supporters cannot understand are decisions that seem completely counterintuitive to that objective.

For example:

• Why does a club called Wests Tigers have more Magpies appearing on its NRL jersey than its own Wests Tigers logo? Would it make sense to put three Tigers logos on the Western Suburbs Magpies reserve-grade jersey? From a branding and marketing perspective, how does this make sense? The Balmain and Wests emblems already appear on the neck of the jersey and appropriately recognise where Wests Tigers came from. That should be enough. We are Wests Tigers.
• Why do underperforming HBG administrators continually seem to be recycled through positions of influence? We keep seeing essentially the same small group of people who have presided over years of failure. From the outside, it feels as though Wests Tigers is permanently held hostage by an administrative structure that is never genuinely accountable for results.
• Why are we so willing to abandon a home ground where the team is winning? In professional sport, surely winning should be the priority. When decisions appear to work against that, supporters naturally start wondering whether other agendas are being prioritised ahead of football success.
• Why did we rush into a five-year extension for Benji? I love Benji and desperately want him to succeed, but what was the competitive pressure requiring a five-year commitment? No other NRL club was trying to sign him as head coach. Was committing for that length of time really the smartest decision available to us at that moment?
• Why does Wests Tigers appear to receive such poor financial support from its so-called owners, while those same organisations are prepared to invest significant money elsewhere, including soccer? If Wests Tigers is supposedly such an important asset, why doesn't the level of investment reflect that?
• Why is the answer to failure always the coach and the players? At what point do the owners and administrators accept responsibility for the disgraceful way this club has been run for so many years, and for the reputational damage that has followed?
• Why does it increasingly feel as though our owners are pushing a Magpies agenda rather than a Wests Tigers agenda? When you say, "What's good for HBG is good for Wests Tigers," supporters are entitled to ask what that actually means. Does it mean we should expect Wests Tigers to gradually become more and more aligned with the Magpies identity? Because if we keep adding birds to the jersey, eventually we're going to run out of sponsorship space.

Wests Tigers supporters do not need more Magpies branding. Nor do we need more Balmain Tigers branding. We need Wests Tigers branding.

The two foundation clubs should absolutely be respected and celebrated as part of our history, but the whole purpose of the joint venture was to create something new. More than 25 years later, surely our objective should be to strengthen the identity of Wests Tigers, not continually drag the club backwards into arguments about which foundation club has greater ownership of it.

And if people believe those raising these issues simply have some sort of anti-Wests or pro-Balmain agenda, I would ask a very simple question:

Why does virtually every major rugby league media outlet eventually arrive at the same criticism of our administration?

This club has been an absolute disgrace administratively for far too long and, frankly, it has disrespected its supporters for far too long as well.

Unfortunately, Shaun, you have arrived at a time when a large portion of the supporter base has finally stopped accepting the spin. I don't envy the position you've walked into, and this post isn't directed at you personally. In fact, I genuinely hope you succeed.

But supporters have seen this movie before.

A new CEO arrives enthusiastic, intelligent and determined to change things. Eventually they run into the same brick wall: an ownership and governance structure that appears to be the one constant through over a decade failure.

That is the concern. Even when V'Landys got involved - he reduced everything to Balmain/Wests, but it was never about that. It was about governance and independence that allowed Wests Tigers to make decisions in the interests of Wests Tigers, not Balmain or Wests.

For the most part, Wests Tigers fans actually get along remarkably well. Of course there will always be the occasional 70-year-old Balmain or Wests supporter who never accepted the merger and never will. That is inevitable. But they are not representative of the core problem facing this club today.

Please don't reduce the current anger to Balmain supporters fighting Wests supporters, because that completely misunderstands what many of us are saying.

This is about Wests Tigers supporters wanting Wests Tigers to finally be governed, funded, branded and operated in the best interests of Wests Tigers.

It is not Balmain versus Wests.

It is about whether the people controlling the club are genuinely prepared to put Wests Tigers first.