Revealed: Secret bid to buy battling Tigers

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Surely if they are talking about 10 million then that would only be for the 10% bit that is the Balmain share.

Surely none of this can be right anyway, I mean Back Door Benny is involved after all.

wests ashfueld bought the balmain debt for 8 million didn't they ? so that would be a 2 million dollar profit

That equated to 10% share not 50.5% Benny is looking for.

 

[jadtiger]

Can Elias be trusted?

That's the issue most have

Someone with a shred of integrity you'd see a very different sway of opinion imo

We all know he cant be trusted and thats coming from me a former rusted on Balmain fan. What id be more interested to know is he just a mouth piece for a consortium and who is in this consortium

To me this is the most important part of the discussion.WHO is he representing WHO would own the club.At the moment we know nothing maybe WA know but it is far too secret for my liking especially with B Elias track record.As inept as WA have been in the past and we still dont know who the 2 Quislings are on the board i still dont trust Benny.

 

[twentyforty]

Mock it if you will, but this seems to be heating up. One thing I’ve learnt is that $ talks in this world.

Probably nothing in it but if there's enough money offered and Wests Ashfield want out, who knows...


Is WA ready to accept their failures?
Regardless of what you think of Benny, his solution for partial privatisation, same as the rabbits have, is a much faster route to success. It could provide more control over a culture driven revival and allow the board to continue even more focussed on food and beverage cost analysis, pokie, entertainment etc. It’s what Tim wanted. ?

Benny will take the club to Perth in a heart beat. If that's what the club wants, then they should go for it. I'll back another team and laugh when they fail due to their lack of support in the West.

Yeh, I’ve got no idea about that or any other features of the part private ownership deal? I’m just saying don’t shoot the messenger until the offer is revealed, and sounded out for a more favourable outcome.
Someone has sent Benny in to open the minds of the power brokers? Let’s do what you all expect of Brooks, stay in the game and manage it?

 

[tbones10]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.

Hi jirskyr I like that you are looking deeper into it than most, even doing that it still doesn't change the fact that 99.9% of members and fans alike don't trust him. Phenomenal player that he was, it doesn't change the articles that we have read and the stories we have heard.
It also doesn't help he is trying to get involved when the club is well and truly on the rise. The club is going great financially, juniors are firing (2nd in Reggies and Flegg and 4th in the Harold Matts and Tarsha Gale) the $75mil COE is opening shortly, structure and value is being added to all levels of the club and he wants to buy a majority share for what is rumoured to be next years salary cap. During the Taylor and big four era I might have thought about it, but he wasn't there through the bad times, now there is light at the end of the tunnel and he wants in. Go to buggery Ben.

So it appears then, dislike for Benny over-rules desires for change at the top.

It's just interesting to me, because I would had said 50% or more folks would have been interested in a board change after the 2021 season to date. For example, if someone said Dennis Burgess or Simon Cook were stepping down next week, I'm predicting most everyone would quite enthusiastic about a shake-up, not actually having any idea if Dennis or Simon know their stuff, nor who the replacement may be.

But a suggestion of Ben Elias trying to buy a seat, those same folks - aka "everyone" - against it.

Big difference between a shake up or a changing of the Board as opposed to a take over. I get it and I'm not adverse to it, personally I think we are heading in the right direction, a lot slower than we should be, and that should be ambit for a discussion or a driver for change.

 

[TigerWest]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.

Hi jirskyr I like that you are looking deeper into it than most, even doing that it still doesn't change the fact that 99.9% of members and fans alike don't trust him. Phenomenal player that he was, it doesn't change the articles that we have read and the stories we have heard.
It also doesn't help he is trying to get involved when the club is well and truly on the rise. The club is going great financially, juniors are firing (2nd in Reggies and Flegg and 4th in the Harold Matts and Tarsha Gale) the $75mil COE is opening shortly, structure and value is being added to all levels of the club and he wants to buy a majority share for what is rumoured to be next years salary cap. During the Taylor and big four era I might have thought about it, but he wasn't there through the bad times, now there is light at the end of the tunnel and he wants in. Go to buggery Ben.

So it appears then, dislike for Benny over-rules desires for change at the top.

It's just interesting to me, because I would had said 50% or more folks would have been interested in a board change after the 2021 season to date. For example, if someone said Dennis Burgess or Simon Cook were stepping down next week, I'm predicting most everyone would quite enthusiastic about a shake-up, not actually having any idea if Dennis or Simon know their stuff, nor who the replacement may be.

But a suggestion of Ben Elias trying to buy a seat, those same folks - aka "everyone" - against it.

I just don’t trust him, sorry.

But it’s all hypothetical now, the board has said the club is NOT FOR SALE.

 

[BZN]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.


I have agreed with most of your posts in the past and will undoubtedly agree with many more but i simply cant agree with this one.I would certainly agree with somebody making changes to our ownership but it would have to be somebody or group that i trust and i certainly dont trust B.Elias.We dont even know who he is representing or what their intentions are.
It was not me who downvoted your post

You need to re-read my first sentence - first thing I said was I wasn't an advocate for (or really against) the Benny bid.

I don't really have an opinion because I'm not privy to the proposal details. What if it was Ben Elias backed by Harry T, or Ben Elias backed by Gina Reinhart, or Ben Elias backed by Frank Lowy? I doubt it's any of them, Harry T an outside chance, but knowing the details would be a big influence on my opinion.

What I was saying is I don't believe there will be another board shakeup bid for 10+ years. So for those folks that are keen on changing up the Board / ownership, for the purposes of changing the overall culture and accountability of the club, this might be the only opportunity in half a generation.

[/QUOTE]

You started your prev. post by lulling us into believing you're not 'for or against' B. Elias.

I would have thought you would have presented 'for and against' reasons why that is so, but instead you express negative feelings re the Wets??? board, then finish with what I read as a veiled threat being 'but if you leave it' blah blah blah.
Then for you to suggest Harry T or Gina Reinhart or Frank Lowy would back B. Elias with Harry T an outside chance is just....... ridiculous.

 

[BZN]

Mock it if you will, but this seems to be heating up. One thing I’ve learnt is that $ talks in this world.

Probably nothing in it but if there's enough money offered and Wests Ashfield want out, who knows...


Is WA ready to accept their failures?
Regardless of what you think of Benny, his solution for partial privatisation, same as the rabbits have, is a much faster route to success. It could provide more control over a culture driven revival and allow the board to continue even more focussed on food and beverage cost analysis, pokie, entertainment etc. It’s what Tim wanted. ?

Benny will take the club to Perth in a heart beat. If that's what the club wants, then they should go for it. I'll back another team and laugh when they fail due to their lack of support in the West.


Yeh, I’ve got no idea about that or any other features of the part private ownership deal? I’m just saying don’t shoot the messenger until the offer is revealed, and sounded out for a more favourable outcome.
Someone has sent Benny in to open the minds of the power brokers? Let’s do what you all expect of Brooks, stay in the game and manage it?

Very sensible post @twentyforty

 

[BZN]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.

Hi jirskyr I like that you are looking deeper into it than most, even doing that it still doesn't change the fact that 99.9% of members and fans alike don't trust him. Phenomenal player that he was, it doesn't change the articles that we have read and the stories we have heard.
It also doesn't help he is trying to get involved when the club is well and truly on the rise. The club is going great financially, juniors are firing (2nd in Reggies and Flegg and 4th in the Harold Matts and Tarsha Gale) the $75mil COE is opening shortly, structure and value is being added to all levels of the club and he wants to buy a majority share for what is rumoured to be next years salary cap. During the Taylor and big four era I might have thought about it, but he wasn't there through the bad times, now there is light at the end of the tunnel and he wants in. Go to buggery Ben.

So it appears then, dislike for Benny over-rules desires for change at the top.

It's just interesting to me, because I would had said 50% or more folks would have been interested in a board change after the 2021 season to date. For example, if someone said Dennis Burgess or Simon Cook were stepping down next week, I'm predicting most everyone would quite enthusiastic about a shake-up, not actually having any idea if Dennis or Simon know their stuff, nor who the replacement may be.

But a suggestion of Ben Elias trying to buy a seat, those same folks - aka "everyone" - against it.

Big difference between a shake up or a changing of the Board as opposed to a take over. I get it and I'm not adverse to it, personally I think we are heading in the right direction, a lot slower than we should be, and that should be ambit for a discussion or a driver for change.

[/QUOTE]

 

[DJG]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fblocker-backs-benny-elias-bid-to-buy-wests-tigers-club-not-so-keen%2Fnews-story%2Fd6fa616735fe8ac9022e12e28e5b4dff&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium

anyone have access to the Herald? whats old mate blocks saying?

 

[gallagher]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.


I have agreed with most of your posts in the past and will undoubtedly agree with many more but i simply cant agree with this one.I would certainly agree with somebody making changes to our ownership but it would have to be somebody or group that i trust and i certainly dont trust B.Elias.We dont even know who he is representing or what their intentions are.
It was not me who downvoted your post

You need to re-read my first sentence - first thing I said was I wasn't an advocate for (or really against) the Benny bid.

I don't really have an opinion because I'm not privy to the proposal details. What if it was Ben Elias backed by Harry T, or Ben Elias backed by Gina Reinhart, or Ben Elias backed by Frank Lowy? I doubt it's any of them, Harry T an outside chance, but knowing the details would be a big influence on my opinion.

What I was saying is I don't believe there will be another board shakeup bid for 10+ years. So for those folks that are keen on changing up the Board / ownership, for the purposes of changing the overall culture and accountability of the club, this might be the only opportunity in half a generation.

You started your prev. post by lulling us into believing you're not 'for or against' B. Elias.

I would have thought you would have presented 'for and against' reasons why that is so, but instead you express negative feelings re the Wets??? board, then finish with what I read as a veiled threat being 'but if you leave it' blah blah blah.
Then for you to suggest Harry T or Gina Reinhart or Frank Lowy would back B. Elias with Harry T an outside chance is just....... ridiculous.

Yeah, his post smells like an old Balmain fan getting a chubby.

 

[Geo]

Knock it off seriously....

 

[innsaneink]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.

Hi jirskyr I like that you are looking deeper into it than most, even doing that it still doesn't change the fact that 99.9% of members and fans alike don't trust him. Phenomenal player that he was, it doesn't change the articles that we have read and the stories we have heard.
It also doesn't help he is trying to get involved when the club is well and truly on the rise. The club is going great financially, juniors are firing (2nd in Reggies and Flegg and 4th in the Harold Matts and Tarsha Gale) the $75mil COE is opening shortly, structure and value is being added to all levels of the club and he wants to buy a majority share for what is rumoured to be next years salary cap. During the Taylor and big four era I might have thought about it, but he wasn't there through the bad times, now there is light at the end of the tunnel and he wants in. Go to buggery Ben.

So it appears then, dislike for Benny over-rules desires for change at the top.

It's just interesting to me, because I would had said 50% or more folks would have been interested in a board change after the 2021 season to date. For example, if someone said Dennis Burgess or Simon Cook were stepping down next week, I'm predicting most everyone would quite enthusiastic about a shake-up, not actually having any idea if Dennis or Simon know their stuff, nor who the replacement may be.

But a suggestion of Ben Elias trying to buy a seat, those same folks - aka "everyone" - against it.

There's dislike.... And there's distrust

 

[cochise]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.

Hi jirskyr I like that you are looking deeper into it than most, even doing that it still doesn't change the fact that 99.9% of members and fans alike don't trust him. Phenomenal player that he was, it doesn't change the articles that we have read and the stories we have heard.
It also doesn't help he is trying to get involved when the club is well and truly on the rise. The club is going great financially, juniors are firing (2nd in Reggies and Flegg and 4th in the Harold Matts and Tarsha Gale) the $75mil COE is opening shortly, structure and value is being added to all levels of the club and he wants to buy a majority share for what is rumoured to be next years salary cap. During the Taylor and big four era I might have thought about it, but he wasn't there through the bad times, now there is light at the end of the tunnel and he wants in. Go to buggery Ben.

So it appears then, dislike for Benny over-rules desires for change at the top.

It's just interesting to me, because I would had said 50% or more folks would have been interested in a board change after the 2021 season to date. For example, if someone said Dennis Burgess or Simon Cook were stepping down next week, I'm predicting most everyone would quite enthusiastic about a shake-up, not actually having any idea if Dennis or Simon know their stuff, nor who the replacement may be.

But a suggestion of Ben Elias trying to buy a seat, those same folks - aka "everyone" - against it.

It is possible to want changes at board level but to still prefer the current set up to Benny's involvement.

Its kind of like the republican vote in the 99, a lot of people wanted a republic but weren't happy with the model put forward so voted no in the referendum.

I would like change at board level but wouldn't be happy with Benny's involvement so would prefer to keep the current model.

 

[jadtiger]

For the record I'm not really for or against Benny trying to buy up half of WT.

What I do find interesting is there's been a lot of commentary this year about what Tigers can do differently, given a whole host of coaches, managers, CEOs, staff, players have tried to lift the club to reasonably consistent success, and failed to do so.

It is generally agreed that one of the few consistencies throughout this period has been the board, notwithstanding the Wets 90% buyout of recent years putting it much more firmly in the Wests Ashfield court. We haven't really changed the Board much, aside from the Chairperson.

And a bloke comes along to suggest to buy a stake and shake things up a bit... and the forum reaction appears to be 99% negative. Here's your chance to shake things up folks, we can hardly do much worse on the NRL Ladder or our finals success record. If you are an advocate for shaking up the club structure and ownership, Benny is probably the only bloke who is going to make an offer this side of 2040 (pun intended). Take it or leave it, but if you leave it, you'll need to abandon your complaints about things Wests Ashfield might do in the future.

Hi jirskyr I like that you are looking deeper into it than most, even doing that it still doesn't change the fact that 99.9% of members and fans alike don't trust him. Phenomenal player that he was, it doesn't change the articles that we have read and the stories we have heard.
It also doesn't help he is trying to get involved when the club is well and truly on the rise. The club is going great financially, juniors are firing (2nd in Reggies and Flegg and 4th in the Harold Matts and Tarsha Gale) the $75mil COE is opening shortly, structure and value is being added to all levels of the club and he wants to buy a majority share for what is rumoured to be next years salary cap. During the Taylor and big four era I might have thought about it, but he wasn't there through the bad times, now there is light at the end of the tunnel and he wants in. Go to buggery Ben.

So it appears then, dislike for Benny over-rules desires for change at the top.

It's just interesting to me, because I would had said 50% or more folks would have been interested in a board change after the 2021 season to date. For example, if someone said Dennis Burgess or Simon Cook were stepping down next week, I'm predicting most everyone would quite enthusiastic about a shake-up, not actually having any idea if Dennis or Simon know their stuff, nor who the replacement may be.

But a suggestion of Ben Elias trying to buy a seat, those same folks - aka "everyone" - against it.

It is possible to want changes at board level but to still prefer the current set up to Benny's involvement.

Its kind of like the republican vote in the 99, a lot of people wanted a republic but weren't happy with the model put forward so voted no in the referendum.

I would like change at board level but wouldn't be happy with Benny's involvement so would prefer to keep the current model.

I would love the board to be better than what we have but having Benny with any involvement in our clubs future is a cost that is far too high.He was the greatest hooker i have ever seen and i go back to the Dragons domination era but he is untrustworthy imo

 

[Snake]

My 2 cents worth is if this did eventuate we would call it a day as our hard earned money would not be committed to an organisation that has Benny Elias involved ..Imo this would be the end of the Weststigers ,business types do not get involved with anything that does not show a profit let alone break even in a good year .
10 million for what ?

 

[happy_tiger]

Better off doing a lucky dip for ownership of the WT's pay your $20 ..hey presto ..you own the club

 

[Snake]

Why not publicly list the club at 50% so any members /supporters etc could buy into the organisation like the Broncos ..I would be interested with a percentage of independent regulated board members in conjunction with WA board members ..just a thought . I was at Flemington Markets this morning and parked near the Tigers club , WA now has the licences for all of Balmains ex clubs poker machines so will they be handed over to a new consortium ? If so the 10million offered is chump change so why would WA even consider that offer .
The main heading is misleading as well the Weststigers are battling on field but are one of only a few that are not in financial difficulty.

 

[diedpretty]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=HSWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.heraldsun.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fblocker-backs-benny-elias-bid-to-buy-wests-tigers-club-not-so-keen%2Fnews-story%2Fd6fa616735fe8ac9022e12e28e5b4dff&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium

anyone have access to the Herald? whats old mate blocks saying?

A Ben Elias-led consortium seeking to take ownership of Wests Tigers has tabled an offer believed to be as high as $15 million.

While Wests Tigers officials are claiming the club is “not for sale,” a former teammate of Elias, Steve Roach, has strongly urged directors to consider the bid.

Roach said the consortium would bring the “top end of town” into the club.

Elias and a group of wealthy businessmen, who wish to remain anonymous until talks ramp up, want to buy a 50.5 per cent controlling stake in the club.

Elias held a two-hour meeting with Wests Tigers powerbrokers at Wests Leagues Club, Ashfield, on Tuesday.

The proposal Elias lodged will be discussed at a club board meeting next Tuesday.


It was initially thought the offer was worth around $10 million but is now understood to be closer to $15 million.

“Bloody oath they should consider it, for sure, 100 per cent. I’m not bagging anyone on the board but Benny is talking about bringing in strong businessmen, like the Roosters,” Roach said.

“I don’t think it would be fair if they didn’t look at it. You have to look at any proposal that comes forward, that’s just common sense.


“I’m told (the consortium includes) people from the top end of -town. I want our club to be right up there and to get back to where we used to be. Rugby league is a big business. It makes sense.”

Results
Do you back Ben Elias' bid to take control of the Wests Tigers?
Yes
63%
No
37%
607 Voters

While Wests Tigers directors respect Elias, there appears little appetite just yet to consider selling the club.

“Yes, Ben came into the Leagues Club on Tuesday with a proposal from his consortium and we had a great chat. Ben is passionate about rugby league and Wests Tigers,” said Wests Tigers director and Wests Leagues, Ashfield, CEO, Simon Cook.

“My job is to pass that through to the board and the board will consider it at their board meeting on Tuesday. However, Wests Tigers is not for sale.”

Elias has growing support for his bid from a number of former Wests Tigers, Balmain and Wests players.

Speaking on Fox Sports’ NRL 360, Elias said: “This isn’t a business decision by any means of the imagination.

“There isn’t money (to be made) in clubs and there is no profit made with the Wests Tigers. If you break-even, you’ve had a good year.

“It has always been a passion. If you can contribute something back to the game that you’d think could be beneficial … the love of my life is the Tigers. Always, has been, always will be.

“We have put an offer forward and a lot will be kept confidential before the meeting next Tuesday, when they make a decision.

“If so, all and good, if not, mate, I’m a million per cent behind the club because I love them and what they’re doing is terrific.”

 

[diedpretty]

So now its up to 15 mil - club should hold out - might get double that. In all seriousness WA should probably counter offer with 39.5% for the 15 mil. That would mean WA would still hold 50.5 %, Benny and the Jets 39.5% and Balmain 10%. WA still maintain control but allows new blood and fresh ideas to the board. Realistically i can't see WA giving up control unless they sell up 100%.

 

[diedpretty]

Just on my previous post - purely from a business point of view WA have come out it pretty well. By paying paying Balmains debt to the NRL ( assumed to be around 8 mil ) they have acquired 2 minor clubs plus the pokie licences attached to them, the opportunity to own another club should the Rozelle development go ahead and an extra 40% share in Wests Tigers. And now they have the opportunity to keep all the real estate gains and licences along with a reduced but still 49.5% share in Wests Tigers and make a profit of up to 7 mil on the deal. Those who think WA isn't a shrewd business organisation don't know what they are talking about.