WITH a local rugby league protest rally to be staged this Sunday, Scott Dougherty spoke with Wests Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys. [Source](http://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/tigers-boss-backs-combined-competition/2440002.aspx?storypage=0)
**Your thoughts on the planned protest rally in Campbelltown?**
I can only really go on the few bits and pieces that I’ve read as I’ve not had any contact from anyone associated with the activity.
I would say that the activity reinforces the fact that people are very passionate about their rugby league and that’s great.
It’s important, though, to not allow passion to become an excuse for promoting misinformation or narrow minded thinking.
Notwithstanding the level of frustration being felt by some, I would caution against people making threats and demands as this will only isolate them and do nothing to help their cause.
Rather, I would encourage a healthy dose of calm and respectful discussion with those who can effect change.
In terms of the issues, there seems to be a whole range of grievances but three main themes of discontent.
Firstly, the management of the local senior competitions in the Western Suburbs and Group 6 districts.
Secondly, the future of the Wests Magpies club and also the level of presence by Wests Tigers in the Macarthur area.
**Let’s start with the Wests junior league, and the problems with clubs leaving to play in Group 6 instead.**
Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, the successful combined senior competition of Western Suburbs and Group 6 fragmented last year.
This really was a crying shame and we now have a situation where lots of good people who have dedicated themselves to the game and their respective clubs and communities are at loggerheads with each other and the ruling bodies.
We need an urgent injection of goodwill and a spirit of compromise to stop the silly games and get things back on track.
It’s not our area of jurisdiction – that’s the responsibility of the NSWRL and the CRL, but, in our view, we need to get the combined competition back together under the guidance of an experienced and independent administrator. as quickly as possible.
This would immediately overcome the inconvenience of the NSWRL play/train guideline experienced by the three Campbelltown based clubs who have chosen to play in the Group 6 competition.
I understand that the Western Suburbs Junior League has promoted this approach and the NSWRL has shown it’s support with an offer to fund the costs involved.
**What about the NSW Cup not having a Wests Magpies team?**
The future role of the Wests Magpies is obviously a matter for the Wests Magpies club but in my opinion, they have a very vibrant future and we all need them to play a vital role in the management of rugby league at all levels but particularly the pathway from junior to the elite levels.
Wests Magpies has a rich and proud history as a foundation club and live strongly today through Wests Tigers (as does Balmain Tigers of course).
That heritage is very much part of who we are and we will always look for opportunities to celebrate that history on the big NRL stage.
We did that very effectively last year with our big clash against the Dragons late in the regular season. We wore the Wests heritage strip and commemorated the 50 year anniversary of the 1961 grand final between Wests and St George.
We hosted past players and their families at the game and it was a terrific night capped off by a great Wests win.
From the overwhelming feedback we received, this event provided the perfect opportunity for former Magpies supporters to watch the match with their children and grandchildren and relive memories of supporting their team.
In so doing, it also reinforced the fact that their team lives on strongly today through Wests Tigers. We are planning another such event this year with our big Heritage Round fixture against Souths.
We will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the last Wests Magpies premiership success in 1952\. We have some big plans for this one and again Wests will take centre stage.
In terms of NSW Cup participation, there are clearly a range of views to consider.
I’ve expressed my view that much could be gained from our group redirecting effort and investment from NSW Cup to junior development programs.
I’d love Wests Magpies to be known for managing the best elite junior programs in the country.
That’s certainly not the case at present and it will take a massive effort to pull it off but, to me, focusing on the next generation is definitely the right way to go and it’s a goal worth pursuing. Given the Magpies spirit and determination, I reckon it’s a goal they can achieve.
As I said, after consulting with their stakeholders and considering the options, Wests Magpies will determine what’s best for their club.
I’ve simply expressed a view on how to respect the great history of such a proud club as Wests Magpies whilst keeping it relevant, contemporary and purposeful at the same time.
Mick Liubinskas has now been elected as the Chairman of Wests Magpies which is an excellent appointment and I look forward to supporting him, his board and the Magpies with their future plans, whatever they may be.
**And the Tigers presence in the Macarthur area?**
I understand that people from Liverpool and Macarthur would love us to spend more time in their communities as would people from other areas who are equally passionate supporters of Wests Tigers.
It’s obviously difficult for us to keep everyone happy.
However, the fact is that we are playing more games at Campbelltown.
When I started in my role in 2009 we played three games at Campbelltown, in 2010 we played four, in 2011 we played four plus an official trial against Parramatta and this year we will again play four matches plus our Foundation Cup against the Roosters.
It’s also a fact that we are playing some of the bigger Sydney clubs at Campbelltown.
Last year we took the Bulldogs to Campbelltown and this year we will host the Eels.
We have a great working relationship with Campbelltown City Council who do an excellent job managing the Stadium and I hope that people can see from our actions that we are about more games not less.
Beyond playing, our NRL and NYC squads frequently train at Campbelltown Stadium, St Greg’s and other venues in the Macarthur area.
The players are very active with their community work in the region as well.
In fact, they are all looking forward to seeing the kids during visits to local schools week after next.
Last year we opened the Wests Tigers Learning Centre at Leumeah which we are very proud of.
The centre is designed to assist local high school students who are struggling to keep pace with their school work get back on track.
We are really ramping up the program this year and are working in partnership with a number of the high schools in the Macarthur area on the delivery of this great initiative.
On February 13 we plan to open a new retail outlet at Macarthur Square.
The shop is being fitted out at present and will be the perfect place to go and check out the latest Wests Tigers gear and purchase tickets to our games.
The facility will also provide a great location for player visits and promotions.
**What’s happening with the new offices at Leumeah?**
I’m pleased to say that this week we will open offices at Leumeah that will house staff from Wests Tigers, Wests Magpies, Wests Junior League as well as the team of ARL Development Officers.
All of the key rugby league staff will be under the one roof which is a big step in the right direction.
We know that we need to work together to improve the way that the game is administered and developed right across the Western Suburbs district and co-locating everyone in the one precinct will make things more efficient and effective.
I have a personal goal to build on this platform and create a centrepiece for rugby league in South West Sydney that the game and the people deserve.
This may take a bit of time and will definitely require a lot of co-operation from many stakeholders but I’m working on it.
**Is there a player to watch out for in 2012?**
I’m reluctant to put pressure on him but I’m really excited by James Tedesco.
James has just turned 19 and played his junior footy with the Camden Rams.
Under a scholarship from Wests Tigers, James attended St Gregs from where he was selected in the Australian Schoolboys squad in 2010.
After playing strongly for Wests Magpies in the SG Ball competition last year he made his debut at fullback for the Wests Tigers NYC team mid way through the year.
James has earned a new three year contract with Wests Tigers which is a great reward for his talent and hard work.
He is now a member of the full time squad and has shown great development in the off season.
He has boundless energy and plays with great courage and anticipation.
I’m pretty sure that Wests Tigers fans are going to love watching James play.
[Source](http://www.macarthuradvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/tigers-boss-backs-combined-competition/2440002.aspx?storypage=0)
