did he stare down the camera with mad eyes , or glance away with that statement
Tigers welcome Shaun Mielekamp
- Thread starter tiger_one
- Start date
Tom Shines
Well-known member
I really want that home semi to be at Leichhardt 👍
Tom Shines
Well-known member
Do we have any still ?
His home semi statement is up there with Noyces ' well be the Man Utd of the NRL' back in 05.
Will haunt him
Will haunt him
Tom Shines
Well-known member
Making the finals is actually such a low bar ,.. but seems just as far away as it’s been for years now..
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
SMH:
When he first took over as chief executive at Wests Tigers last year, it was a job many described as one of the toughest in Australian sport.
A long period of underperformance on the field came with turmoil off it, trickling down from the ownership. But newly confirmed as full-time boss on Friday, after presiding over a period of relative stability, Shaun Mielekamp says that major Tigers stakeholders are now at last on the same page.
“One of the first things I did was call a meeting of all four boards [Wests Tigers, Western Suburbs Magpies, Balmain Tigers and Holman Barnes Group], where we all came together, and we all had dinner. And to my surprise, it was the first time in 26 years that those four boards had been in the one room.
“We’ve done it a couple of times since, and it’s now just a regular part of operations at West Tigers – is to bring all four boards together and act in unison, as one. And that’s been the most positive part about all of this, that there is a real alignment … across the entire club about where we’re headed.”
In a wide-ranging interview, the Tigers chief spoke of his vision for the team, the decision to go to Las Vegas, the chance to create rugby league’s biggest nursery, why Josh Schuster was handed a league lifeline and Israel Folau wasn’t, and the prospect of Manase Fainu – who is eligible for parole in October after being jailed for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader at a church dance in 2019 – becoming the fourth member of his family to sign with the club.
But what happens when the upgrades are finished at both home grounds?
“We are in negotiations with all three stadiums,” Mielekamp says.
“We’ve committed to a minimum of seven games out of Campbelltown from 2029 onwards. We’ve committed to a minimum of three games at Leichhardt from 2028 onwards, but there could be more at both venues. And there is still a big appetite to make sure that we are a part of big games, which is what Vegas is about.”
Manase Fainu in action for the Manly Sea Eagles in 2019.Jason McCawley
The next big retention target is Samuela Fainu, who becomes a free agent on November 1.
“He’s a priority for us,” Mielekamp says. “He’s part of the family, he’s bringing players to us, which is a great sign that he wants to be here.”
There are already three Fainus on the books – Samuela, Latu and Sione. Former Manly hooker Manase Fainu could be the fourth brother to join the club, possibly on a train-and-trial deal once he is released from prison.
Mielekamp confirms that he is open to the prospect if the NRL is prepared to register a contract.
“I’m not exactly sure what his journey looks like in reality, but one thing I know is he’s already part of our family by association,” he says.
“We’ll ensure we do the right thing when the opportunity comes up.”
Former Manly playmaker Josh Schuster has already been handed a train-and-trial deal – just before the June 30 transfer deadline.
After making what Tigers coach Benji Marshall described as the best NRL debut he has seen, Schuster’s career has stalled at 50 games after failing to live up to his early promise.
However, the Tigers believe the 25-year-old still has something to offer at NRL level. “He’s got an opportunity, which everyone does here at the club,” Mielekamp says.
“His meeting with Benji was really crucial, and Samuela Fainu has played a part in that. If Josh shows on and off the field that he’s the real deal, I’m sure the doors will continue to open for him.”
“Las Vegas was a f---ing disaster, and it was a party trip for everybody; I don’t want to go,” Richardson told The Australian Financial Review in 2024. “Those little Christmas cakes don’t make any difference to the game at all.”
The Tigers are going to Vegas.Getty Images
However, the Tigers are now embracing the concept and will open the 2027 season against Melbourne at Allegiant Stadium.
“It’s about showing that the club is aspirational as to where we want to go,” Mielekamp says.
“We weren’t ready before, we’ve admitted that, but we are ready now … It’s important that we acknowledge the great work that Holman Barnes Group played in ensuring that we’ve got the financial capacity to go to Vegas with confidence.”
“We have a club that stretches from Pyrmont to Picton,” Mielekamp says.
“We’ve got 15,000 registered participants in our catchment, and we’re growing at the fastest rate. We have the opportunity to be the best rugby league pathway in the world, and we’ll continue to drive through that as part of the strategy.”
“Now that there’s clarity around me being CEO, there’s got to be more confidence to continue to make hard calls,” Mielekamp says.
“We will do what’s right for the club. When you compare it to the opportunity we gave Josh Schuster, I’ve got no qualms about standing up for the decisions we’ve made.”
Vegas backflip, lifelines and peace in the corridors of power: Tigers boss opens up
Adrian Proszenko·7 min read·Jul 5, 2026When he first took over as chief executive at Wests Tigers last year, it was a job many described as one of the toughest in Australian sport.
A long period of underperformance on the field came with turmoil off it, trickling down from the ownership. But newly confirmed as full-time boss on Friday, after presiding over a period of relative stability, Shaun Mielekamp says that major Tigers stakeholders are now at last on the same page.
“One of the first things I did was call a meeting of all four boards [Wests Tigers, Western Suburbs Magpies, Balmain Tigers and Holman Barnes Group], where we all came together, and we all had dinner. And to my surprise, it was the first time in 26 years that those four boards had been in the one room.
“We’ve done it a couple of times since, and it’s now just a regular part of operations at West Tigers – is to bring all four boards together and act in unison, as one. And that’s been the most positive part about all of this, that there is a real alignment … across the entire club about where we’re headed.”
In a wide-ranging interview, the Tigers chief spoke of his vision for the team, the decision to go to Las Vegas, the chance to create rugby league’s biggest nursery, why Josh Schuster was handed a league lifeline and Israel Folau wasn’t, and the prospect of Manase Fainu – who is eligible for parole in October after being jailed for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader at a church dance in 2019 – becoming the fourth member of his family to sign with the club.
Stadium strategy
Leichhardt Oval will be unavailable next year while it undergoes renovations, and Campbelltown Stadium will have its own refurbishment in 2028. The staggered timelines ensure both venues won’t be shut down for construction at the same time. This masthead recently revealed that all home games could be staged at Leichhardt in 2028 unless agreement is struck with CommBank Stadium.But what happens when the upgrades are finished at both home grounds?
“We are in negotiations with all three stadiums,” Mielekamp says.
“We’ve committed to a minimum of seven games out of Campbelltown from 2029 onwards. We’ve committed to a minimum of three games at Leichhardt from 2028 onwards, but there could be more at both venues. And there is still a big appetite to make sure that we are a part of big games, which is what Vegas is about.”
Four Fainus?
The decision by co-captain Jarome Luai to sign with the PNG Chiefs midway through the season could have resulted in a mass exodus. Instead, key players Jahream Bula, Taylan May, Terrell May, Adam Doueihi, Sione Fainu, Sunia Turuva and Heamasi Makasini have all recommitted.Manase Fainu in action for the Manly Sea Eagles in 2019.Jason McCawley
The next big retention target is Samuela Fainu, who becomes a free agent on November 1.
“He’s a priority for us,” Mielekamp says. “He’s part of the family, he’s bringing players to us, which is a great sign that he wants to be here.”
There are already three Fainus on the books – Samuela, Latu and Sione. Former Manly hooker Manase Fainu could be the fourth brother to join the club, possibly on a train-and-trial deal once he is released from prison.
Mielekamp confirms that he is open to the prospect if the NRL is prepared to register a contract.
“I’m not exactly sure what his journey looks like in reality, but one thing I know is he’s already part of our family by association,” he says.
“We’ll ensure we do the right thing when the opportunity comes up.”
Former Manly playmaker Josh Schuster has already been handed a train-and-trial deal – just before the June 30 transfer deadline.
After making what Tigers coach Benji Marshall described as the best NRL debut he has seen, Schuster’s career has stalled at 50 games after failing to live up to his early promise.
However, the Tigers believe the 25-year-old still has something to offer at NRL level. “He’s got an opportunity, which everyone does here at the club,” Mielekamp says.
“His meeting with Benji was really crucial, and Samuela Fainu has played a part in that. If Josh shows on and off the field that he’s the real deal, I’m sure the doors will continue to open for him.”
Viva Las Vegas
Mielekamp’s predecessor, Shane Richardson, was adamant that the Tigers would not head to Vegas under his watch.“Las Vegas was a f---ing disaster, and it was a party trip for everybody; I don’t want to go,” Richardson told The Australian Financial Review in 2024. “Those little Christmas cakes don’t make any difference to the game at all.”
The Tigers are going to Vegas.Getty Images
However, the Tigers are now embracing the concept and will open the 2027 season against Melbourne at Allegiant Stadium.
“It’s about showing that the club is aspirational as to where we want to go,” Mielekamp says.
“We weren’t ready before, we’ve admitted that, but we are ready now … It’s important that we acknowledge the great work that Holman Barnes Group played in ensuring that we’ve got the financial capacity to go to Vegas with confidence.”
Pathway to success
Penrith Panthers’ junior nursery is considered the biggest and best in rugby league, but the Tigers believe they will soon have a pathway to surpass it.“We have a club that stretches from Pyrmont to Picton,” Mielekamp says.
“We’ve got 15,000 registered participants in our catchment, and we’re growing at the fastest rate. We have the opportunity to be the best rugby league pathway in the world, and we’ll continue to drive through that as part of the strategy.”
Folau a no-go
The Tigers considered handing cross-code star Israel Folau a train-and-trial deal before the June 30 deadline. But given Folau’s age (37), potential registration hurdles and the likelihood of adverse publicity, the club felt the risk wasn’t worth the reward.“Now that there’s clarity around me being CEO, there’s got to be more confidence to continue to make hard calls,” Mielekamp says.
“We will do what’s right for the club. When you compare it to the opportunity we gave Josh Schuster, I’ve got no qualms about standing up for the decisions we’ve made.”
Tom Shines
Well-known member
Hope the 4 boards had a nice dinner
Jedi_Tiger
Well-known member
Plenty of coat racks for all the Balmain and Western Suburbs magpies blazers at dinner
Tom Shines
Well-known member
A few of the guys would have been table hopping considering some are doing triple board duties ,,,
Tiger Woods
Well-known member
It's a losing camp at the moment
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
wstigers11
Well-known member
BlackWhiteGold
Well-known member
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...d/news-story/b1e19f11b3c5e1b38c6ecebdabba3d74
Dean Ritchie
July 31, 2026 - 12:00PM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ory/b1e19f11b3c5e1b38c6ecebdabba3d74#comments
Wests Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has promised to quickly overhaul any cultural issues at his club to ensure they never experience a week from hell of its kind again.
In a one-on-one interview, Mielekamp spoke about easing the growing pressure on Benji Marshall after the coach’s ugly bust-up with star player Adam Doueihi.
Wests Tigers are running second last this season and have just endured an off-field debacle, but a buoyant Mielekamp insisted: “We are on the way up – everyone can see that.”
Q: Is the Doueihi drama now over?
A: Yes, we are definitely keen to put this behind us and move forward. We are looking to seeing Adam out there (playing against Parramatta) this Sunday.
Q: Adam did appear genuinely remorseful at a press conference on Wednesday.
A: Yeah, absolutely, I think Adam was glad he was able to say things in his own words.
Q: How do you think Doueihi came across?
A: I think it was obvious how he came across.
Q: How much damage has the Doueihi situation caused the club?
A: There has been a lot of learnings for us through this process. We’d like to take the positive approach about what we have learned so we can make sure we don’t head down this path again.
Shaun Mielekamp during his now infamous 21-second press conference to address the Adam Doueihi drama. Picture: Rohan Kelly
Q: What have been your learnings in all this?
A: Learnings are about communication. We need to make sure we have a lot more communication with everybody here at the club around matters that are important to us.
Q: When this first blew up, the relationship between Benji and Adam was described to be ‘unfixable’. How did you turn it around?
A: I didn’t turn it around and it was others that described it as ‘unfixable’. That wasn’t ever something was that (said) internally. Ultimately, this was Benji and Adam working on their relationship.
Q: Does Benji understand the argument that Doueihi and Luai should have dropped to NSW Cup?
A: I’m not one to speak on Benji’s behalf or on footy matters. Of course he understands every option that was available to him. He made his decision and we back him to do that.
Q: What did you make of Benji’s comments regarding the pressure he is feeling?
A: Every NRL coach and CEO in high performing clubs feel pressure. It comes with the territory and we know is part of the job.
Mielekamp insists the Doueihi drama is now over. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Does Benji need more support around him?
A: As a club, we need to make sure that Benji has all the support he needs around him. That is definitely my focus.
Q: What support does he need?
A: To be fair, we need to go through this process, as every club does, toward the back-end of the off-season. Our review will look at the support and resources to put around the coach. We will go through that journey.
Q: Do Wests Tigers have a culture problem?
A: Every high performing business or club is always working on culture. When performances are down, culture is always something that gets discussed. We will continue to work on culture.
Q: What areas need fixing?
A: Communication and consistency is vital to developing culture.
Q: Shaun, if results get better, then Wests Tigers can become a powerhouse. The club has great facilities and a massive fan base.
A: Everyone has been waiting a long time to unlock this. There isn’t a quick fix but, absolutely, everyone will one day see this club in its fullest glory.
Mielekamp has shot down suggestions that Doueihi’s relationship with coach Benji Marshall is ‘unfixable’. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Can you tell me when that will happen?
A: Nope.
Q: Why would potential recruits consider joining Wests Tigers?
A: We are on the way up – everyone can see that. We showed that at the start of the year. I’m sure everyone can see that this club is taking a step forward.
Q: You’re the CEO of a massive Sydney club that has struggled badly for results over the past 15 years. Is success looming?
A: We showed how close we were at the start of the season. Yes, we need to reset and refocus to get us back on track.
Q: What do you say to Wests Tigers fans?
A: Their resilience really does inspire this club. Absolutely, I want to do everything I can to make sure that their experiences with this club improve. There is definitely something special about them. I have formed a lot of friendships with Wests Tigers fans.
Q: How do you think those fans are feeling at the moment?
A: Obviously the fans are wanting us to do better.
Q: Why should Wests Tigers fans renew their membership next season?
A: My journey with the members since coming into the role has been around continuing to communicate. They do have a voice and that voice comes via me. I have had coffees and forums to meet as many members as we can. That will include this weekend where I will be meeting with members pre-match. They will continue to be able to ask me directly those questions. We have an amazing group of fans and members and they are definitely part of the family. I just have to keep working hard and stay on track with my connection directly with the members.
Q: I’m told you actually caught the supporters’ bus for part of the trip to Canberra?
A: That’s right. I was on the initial leg with the supporters. There were close to 400 fans in Canberra. They made a real presence and noise. They are such an important piece of the puzzle for our club.
Q: What can expect from you team this Sunday against Parramatta?
A: I’d like us to show that we have put this behind us. We have to finish this season with a lot of energy and passion.
Wests Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp addresses Adam Doueihi drama, cultural issues at Concord
Wests Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp has addressed the Adam Doueihi drama, and vowed to overhaul any cultural issues at the club to ensure they never have a week from hell like that again.Dean Ritchie
July 31, 2026 - 12:00PM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ory/b1e19f11b3c5e1b38c6ecebdabba3d74#comments
Wests Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has promised to quickly overhaul any cultural issues at his club to ensure they never experience a week from hell of its kind again.
In a one-on-one interview, Mielekamp spoke about easing the growing pressure on Benji Marshall after the coach’s ugly bust-up with star player Adam Doueihi.
Wests Tigers are running second last this season and have just endured an off-field debacle, but a buoyant Mielekamp insisted: “We are on the way up – everyone can see that.”
Q: Is the Doueihi drama now over?
A: Yes, we are definitely keen to put this behind us and move forward. We are looking to seeing Adam out there (playing against Parramatta) this Sunday.
Q: Adam did appear genuinely remorseful at a press conference on Wednesday.
A: Yeah, absolutely, I think Adam was glad he was able to say things in his own words.
Q: How do you think Doueihi came across?
A: I think it was obvious how he came across.
Q: How much damage has the Doueihi situation caused the club?
A: There has been a lot of learnings for us through this process. We’d like to take the positive approach about what we have learned so we can make sure we don’t head down this path again.
Shaun Mielekamp during his now infamous 21-second press conference to address the Adam Doueihi drama. Picture: Rohan Kelly
Q: What have been your learnings in all this?
A: Learnings are about communication. We need to make sure we have a lot more communication with everybody here at the club around matters that are important to us.
Q: When this first blew up, the relationship between Benji and Adam was described to be ‘unfixable’. How did you turn it around?
A: I didn’t turn it around and it was others that described it as ‘unfixable’. That wasn’t ever something was that (said) internally. Ultimately, this was Benji and Adam working on their relationship.
Q: Does Benji understand the argument that Doueihi and Luai should have dropped to NSW Cup?
A: I’m not one to speak on Benji’s behalf or on footy matters. Of course he understands every option that was available to him. He made his decision and we back him to do that.
Q: What did you make of Benji’s comments regarding the pressure he is feeling?
A: Every NRL coach and CEO in high performing clubs feel pressure. It comes with the territory and we know is part of the job.
Mielekamp insists the Doueihi drama is now over. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Does Benji need more support around him?
A: As a club, we need to make sure that Benji has all the support he needs around him. That is definitely my focus.
Q: What support does he need?
A: To be fair, we need to go through this process, as every club does, toward the back-end of the off-season. Our review will look at the support and resources to put around the coach. We will go through that journey.
Q: Do Wests Tigers have a culture problem?
A: Every high performing business or club is always working on culture. When performances are down, culture is always something that gets discussed. We will continue to work on culture.
Q: What areas need fixing?
A: Communication and consistency is vital to developing culture.
Q: Shaun, if results get better, then Wests Tigers can become a powerhouse. The club has great facilities and a massive fan base.
A: Everyone has been waiting a long time to unlock this. There isn’t a quick fix but, absolutely, everyone will one day see this club in its fullest glory.
Mielekamp has shot down suggestions that Doueihi’s relationship with coach Benji Marshall is ‘unfixable’. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Can you tell me when that will happen?
A: Nope.
Q: Why would potential recruits consider joining Wests Tigers?
A: We are on the way up – everyone can see that. We showed that at the start of the year. I’m sure everyone can see that this club is taking a step forward.
Q: You’re the CEO of a massive Sydney club that has struggled badly for results over the past 15 years. Is success looming?
A: We showed how close we were at the start of the season. Yes, we need to reset and refocus to get us back on track.
Q: What do you say to Wests Tigers fans?
A: Their resilience really does inspire this club. Absolutely, I want to do everything I can to make sure that their experiences with this club improve. There is definitely something special about them. I have formed a lot of friendships with Wests Tigers fans.
Q: How do you think those fans are feeling at the moment?
A: Obviously the fans are wanting us to do better.
Q: Why should Wests Tigers fans renew their membership next season?
A: My journey with the members since coming into the role has been around continuing to communicate. They do have a voice and that voice comes via me. I have had coffees and forums to meet as many members as we can. That will include this weekend where I will be meeting with members pre-match. They will continue to be able to ask me directly those questions. We have an amazing group of fans and members and they are definitely part of the family. I just have to keep working hard and stay on track with my connection directly with the members.
Q: I’m told you actually caught the supporters’ bus for part of the trip to Canberra?
A: That’s right. I was on the initial leg with the supporters. There were close to 400 fans in Canberra. They made a real presence and noise. They are such an important piece of the puzzle for our club.
Q: What can expect from you team this Sunday against Parramatta?
A: I’d like us to show that we have put this behind us. We have to finish this season with a lot of energy and passion.
@ShaunMielekamp loves a Q&A !
🔥
🔥
But he comes across as "answering with one hand behind his back."
Just misses (for me) the connection that I'm looking for in the Boss, by tip-toeing around the question.
And I so much want him to be good for our club.
Knows his job , A straight shooter , good deflections with the bat also .Take a bowhttps://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...d/news-story/b1e19f11b3c5e1b38c6ecebdabba3d74
Wests Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp addresses Adam Doueihi drama, cultural issues at Concord
Wests Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp has addressed the Adam Doueihi drama, and vowed to overhaul any cultural issues at the club to ensure they never have a week from hell like that again.
Dean Ritchie
July 31, 2026 - 12:00PM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ory/b1e19f11b3c5e1b38c6ecebdabba3d74#comments
Wests Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has promised to quickly overhaul any cultural issues at his club to ensure they never experience a week from hell of its kind again.
In a one-on-one interview, Mielekamp spoke about easing the growing pressure on Benji Marshall after the coach’s ugly bust-up with star player Adam Doueihi.
Wests Tigers are running second last this season and have just endured an off-field debacle, but a buoyant Mielekamp insisted: “We are on the way up – everyone can see that.”
Q: Is the Doueihi drama now over?
A: Yes, we are definitely keen to put this behind us and move forward. We are looking to seeing Adam out there (playing against Parramatta) this Sunday.
Q: Adam did appear genuinely remorseful at a press conference on Wednesday.
A: Yeah, absolutely, I think Adam was glad he was able to say things in his own words.
Q: How do you think Doueihi came across?
A: I think it was obvious how he came across.
Q: How much damage has the Doueihi situation caused the club?
A: There has been a lot of learnings for us through this process. We’d like to take the positive approach about what we have learned so we can make sure we don’t head down this path again.
Shaun Mielekamp during his now infamous 21-second press conference to address the Adam Doueihi drama. Picture: Rohan Kelly
Q: What have been your learnings in all this?
A: Learnings are about communication. We need to make sure we have a lot more communication with everybody here at the club around matters that are important to us.
Q: When this first blew up, the relationship between Benji and Adam was described to be ‘unfixable’. How did you turn it around?
A: I didn’t turn it around and it was others that described it as ‘unfixable’. That wasn’t ever something was that (said) internally. Ultimately, this was Benji and Adam working on their relationship.
Q: Does Benji understand the argument that Doueihi and Luai should have dropped to NSW Cup?
A: I’m not one to speak on Benji’s behalf or on footy matters. Of course he understands every option that was available to him. He made his decision and we back him to do that.
Q: What did you make of Benji’s comments regarding the pressure he is feeling?
A: Every NRL coach and CEO in high performing clubs feel pressure. It comes with the territory and we know is part of the job.
Mielekamp insists the Doueihi drama is now over. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Does Benji need more support around him?
A: As a club, we need to make sure that Benji has all the support he needs around him. That is definitely my focus.
Q: What support does he need?
A: To be fair, we need to go through this process, as every club does, toward the back-end of the off-season. Our review will look at the support and resources to put around the coach. We will go through that journey.
Q: Do Wests Tigers have a culture problem?
A: Every high performing business or club is always working on culture. When performances are down, culture is always something that gets discussed. We will continue to work on culture.
Q: What areas need fixing?
A: Communication and consistency is vital to developing culture.
Q: Shaun, if results get better, then Wests Tigers can become a powerhouse. The club has great facilities and a massive fan base.
A: Everyone has been waiting a long time to unlock this. There isn’t a quick fix but, absolutely, everyone will one day see this club in its fullest glory.
Mielekamp has shot down suggestions that Doueihi’s relationship with coach Benji Marshall is ‘unfixable’. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Can you tell me when that will happen?
A: Nope.
Q: Why would potential recruits consider joining Wests Tigers?
A: We are on the way up – everyone can see that. We showed that at the start of the year. I’m sure everyone can see that this club is taking a step forward.
Q: You’re the CEO of a massive Sydney club that has struggled badly for results over the past 15 years. Is success looming?
A: We showed how close we were at the start of the season. Yes, we need to reset and refocus to get us back on track.
Q: What do you say to Wests Tigers fans?
A: Their resilience really does inspire this club. Absolutely, I want to do everything I can to make sure that their experiences with this club improve. There is definitely something special about them. I have formed a lot of friendships with Wests Tigers fans.
Q: How do you think those fans are feeling at the moment?
A: Obviously the fans are wanting us to do better.
Q: Why should Wests Tigers fans renew their membership next season?
A: My journey with the members since coming into the role has been around continuing to communicate. They do have a voice and that voice comes via me. I have had coffees and forums to meet as many members as we can. That will include this weekend where I will be meeting with members pre-match. They will continue to be able to ask me directly those questions. We have an amazing group of fans and members and they are definitely part of the family. I just have to keep working hard and stay on track with my connection directly with the members.
Q: I’m told you actually caught the supporters’ bus for part of the trip to Canberra?
A: That’s right. I was on the initial leg with the supporters. There were close to 400 fans in Canberra. They made a real presence and noise. They are such an important piece of the puzzle for our club.
Q: What can expect from you team this Sunday against Parramatta?
A: I’d like us to show that we have put this behind us. We have to finish this season with a lot of energy and passion.
Winston Churchill
Well-known member
Yawn, start wining then ill give a shit what this clown has to say.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...d/news-story/b1e19f11b3c5e1b38c6ecebdabba3d74
Wests Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp addresses Adam Doueihi drama, cultural issues at Concord
Wests Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp has addressed the Adam Doueihi drama, and vowed to overhaul any cultural issues at the club to ensure they never have a week from hell like that again.
Dean Ritchie
July 31, 2026 - 12:00PM
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...ory/b1e19f11b3c5e1b38c6ecebdabba3d74#comments
Wests Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp has promised to quickly overhaul any cultural issues at his club to ensure they never experience a week from hell of its kind again.
In a one-on-one interview, Mielekamp spoke about easing the growing pressure on Benji Marshall after the coach’s ugly bust-up with star player Adam Doueihi.
Wests Tigers are running second last this season and have just endured an off-field debacle, but a buoyant Mielekamp insisted: “We are on the way up – everyone can see that.”
Q: Is the Doueihi drama now over?
A: Yes, we are definitely keen to put this behind us and move forward. We are looking to seeing Adam out there (playing against Parramatta) this Sunday.
Q: Adam did appear genuinely remorseful at a press conference on Wednesday.
A: Yeah, absolutely, I think Adam was glad he was able to say things in his own words.
Q: How do you think Doueihi came across?
A: I think it was obvious how he came across.
Q: How much damage has the Doueihi situation caused the club?
A: There has been a lot of learnings for us through this process. We’d like to take the positive approach about what we have learned so we can make sure we don’t head down this path again.
Shaun Mielekamp during his now infamous 21-second press conference to address the Adam Doueihi drama. Picture: Rohan Kelly
Q: What have been your learnings in all this?
A: Learnings are about communication. We need to make sure we have a lot more communication with everybody here at the club around matters that are important to us.
Q: When this first blew up, the relationship between Benji and Adam was described to be ‘unfixable’. How did you turn it around?
A: I didn’t turn it around and it was others that described it as ‘unfixable’. That wasn’t ever something was that (said) internally. Ultimately, this was Benji and Adam working on their relationship.
Q: Does Benji understand the argument that Doueihi and Luai should have dropped to NSW Cup?
A: I’m not one to speak on Benji’s behalf or on footy matters. Of course he understands every option that was available to him. He made his decision and we back him to do that.
Q: What did you make of Benji’s comments regarding the pressure he is feeling?
A: Every NRL coach and CEO in high performing clubs feel pressure. It comes with the territory and we know is part of the job.
Mielekamp insists the Doueihi drama is now over. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Does Benji need more support around him?
A: As a club, we need to make sure that Benji has all the support he needs around him. That is definitely my focus.
Q: What support does he need?
A: To be fair, we need to go through this process, as every club does, toward the back-end of the off-season. Our review will look at the support and resources to put around the coach. We will go through that journey.
Q: Do Wests Tigers have a culture problem?
A: Every high performing business or club is always working on culture. When performances are down, culture is always something that gets discussed. We will continue to work on culture.
Q: What areas need fixing?
A: Communication and consistency is vital to developing culture.
Q: Shaun, if results get better, then Wests Tigers can become a powerhouse. The club has great facilities and a massive fan base.
A: Everyone has been waiting a long time to unlock this. There isn’t a quick fix but, absolutely, everyone will one day see this club in its fullest glory.
Mielekamp has shot down suggestions that Doueihi’s relationship with coach Benji Marshall is ‘unfixable’. Picture: Nathan Smith
Q: Can you tell me when that will happen?
A: Nope.
Q: Why would potential recruits consider joining Wests Tigers?
A: We are on the way up – everyone can see that. We showed that at the start of the year. I’m sure everyone can see that this club is taking a step forward.
Q: You’re the CEO of a massive Sydney club that has struggled badly for results over the past 15 years. Is success looming?
A: We showed how close we were at the start of the season. Yes, we need to reset and refocus to get us back on track.
Q: What do you say to Wests Tigers fans?
A: Their resilience really does inspire this club. Absolutely, I want to do everything I can to make sure that their experiences with this club improve. There is definitely something special about them. I have formed a lot of friendships with Wests Tigers fans.
Q: How do you think those fans are feeling at the moment?
A: Obviously the fans are wanting us to do better.
Q: Why should Wests Tigers fans renew their membership next season?
A: My journey with the members since coming into the role has been around continuing to communicate. They do have a voice and that voice comes via me. I have had coffees and forums to meet as many members as we can. That will include this weekend where I will be meeting with members pre-match. They will continue to be able to ask me directly those questions. We have an amazing group of fans and members and they are definitely part of the family. I just have to keep working hard and stay on track with my connection directly with the members.
Q: I’m told you actually caught the supporters’ bus for part of the trip to Canberra?
A: That’s right. I was on the initial leg with the supporters. There were close to 400 fans in Canberra. They made a real presence and noise. They are such an important piece of the puzzle for our club.
Q: What can expect from you team this Sunday against Parramatta?
A: I’d like us to show that we have put this behind us. We have to finish this season with a lot of energy and passion.
I can't blame him for his answers to friendly questioning but the real questions need to asked especially in regards to our management at board level.Do your work journalists.
Politics beckons
happy_tiger
Well-known member
Beef Wellington anyone ??
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