OFFICIAL Wests Tigers Unite: Call to Arms

[Joel Helmes]

Have to give it to them they are following the NRL way of doing things … releasing this on NYD like nrl realeasing over Xmas period Ezra’s penalty

The trio were informed of their punishment on the evening of New Year’s Eve. Says a lot.

 

[TigerJunior4]

So what about players , coaches etc being given life memberships

That’s a completely different system. They hold life memberships at NRL clubs. They don’t have voting rights, get to decide upon board makeup or have the ability to create and maintain what essentially amounts to an oligarchy.

You’re comparing apples and oranges.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

I would suggest the NRL has invested/grants etc far more into wests tigers than HBG.

We make them money the NRL it’s been in the NRL best interest keeping us afloat which is very different from owning and running us.

 

[KevB]

Entirely how I feel. Wests Tigers success is everything we’re striving for. It has categorically and emphatically nothing to do with burying or erasing history of foundation clubs. It is present and future focused.

Joel, what happens if the club continues to be unsuccessful with its new owners the NRL?

 

[cochise]

Joel, what happens if the club continues to be unsuccessful with its new owners the NRL?

Joel hasn't said anything about the NRL becoming an owner of the club from my recollection.

 

[Joel Helmes]

Joel, what happens if the club continues to be unsuccessful with its new owners the NRL?

I’m not advocating for NRL ownership or private ownership. I’m more than happy for HBG to remain majority owners. But their governance and the influence unelected debenture holders have over Wests Tigers needs to change.

 

[TigerJunior4]

Two main reasons.

Well the group is very successful, hard to argue about that.

Reality is where licensed clubs like Penrith, Balmain and Cronulla who apparently don't have a debenture system with boards consisting of supposed professionals got themselves into all manner of strife financially........and fell back on excuses re government regulations for their poor risk management the Wests group/HBG have thrived and grown.

Most of the debenture holders are wealthy individuals with sound business nous.

That's the financial reason.

Secondly, if you asked me 20 years ago I would've been less inclined to allow the system to continue.

However, the Wests group conceded much with the adoption of the HBG structure once Balmain Leagues was absorbed following their failure. Rather than as probably would have happened in reverse Wests group depersonalised their structure somewhat in order to be inclusive for all WT fans former Balmain fans. Let's face it in a few years maybe a Balmain Leagues will be built by HBG on the former Rozelle site.

So in some ways the debenture system which is really only a form of privileged membership which vet new members to make certain their values align with the original values of the Wests group guaranteeing the values aren't eroded further.

That’s not what the debenture system is. The debenture system is a means of consolidating and maintaining power and influence. It is an oligarchy and doesn’t allow for democratic processes to be implemented or progressed.

It’s really a system that creates an echo chamber and accelerates group think.

Given the small number of eligible board members too I’d argue that selection is not
Merit based. It really is a case of people buying their way into positions of power and then having the ability due to governance flaws, to maintain that power.

 

[cochise]

That’s not what the debenture system is. The debenture system is a means of consolidating and maintaining power and influence. It is an oligarchy and doesn’t allow for democratic processes to be implemented or progressed.

It’s really a system that creates an echo chamber and accelerates group think.

Given the small number of eligible board members too I’d argue that selection is not
Merit based. It really is a case of people buying their way into positions of power and then having the ability due to governance flaws, to maintain that power.

The fact that the replacement debenture holders are chosen by the board, which is a majority of debenture holders makes it a closed system that is set up to limit change.

They can decide on people that agree with the direction/ agenda they are pushing and protect their power.

 

[Joel Helmes]

That’s not what the debenture system is. The debenture system is a means of consolidating and maintaining power and influence. It is an oligarchy and doesn’t allow for democratic processes to be implemented or progressed.

It’s really a system that creates an echo chamber and accelerates group think.

Given the small number of eligible board members too I’d argue that selection is not
Merit based. It really is a case of people buying their way into positions of power and then having the ability due to governance flaws, to maintain that power.

100%

 

[tigertragic]

We make them money the NRL it’s been in the NRL best interest keeping us afloat which is very different from owning and running us.

So HBG makes no money from holding Wests tigers ? Maybe they should sell, better for all concerned.
NRL also uses money made to support the game more broadly
International, state, grass roots, women etc etc

 

[Joel Helmes]

The fact that the replacement debenture holders are chosen by the board, which is a majority of debenture holders makes it a closed system that is set up to limit change.

They can decide on people that agree with the direction/ agenda they are pushing and protect their power.

Nailed it Garry

 

[KevB]

I’m not advocating for NRL ownership or private ownership. I’m more than happy for HBG to remain majority owners. But their governance and the influence unelected debenture holders have over Wests Tigers needs to change.

My apologies Joel, I incorrectly interpreted your response. Cheers!

 

[TigerJunior4]

That’s not what the debenture system is. The debenture system is a means of consolidating and maintaining power and influence. It is an oligarchy and doesn’t allow for democratic processes to be implemented or progressed.

It’s really a system that creates an echo chamber and accelerates group think.

Given the small number of eligible board members too I’d argue that selection is not
Merit based. It really is a case of people buying their way into positions of power and then having the ability due to governance flaws, to maintain that power.

I should have worded this better but what I meant when I said small number of eligible members is that 5 out of 7 board members are chosen from the debenture holders.

The debenture holders are made up of 20 people. My understanding is that two have passed and one is inactive due to severe illness so the number is really 17.

That is a very small pool of eligible candidates to draw from. Like @cochise said as well, given the majority debenture board decides who can become a debenture holder, it is very much a closed system that promotes self-interest.

 

[426Tlgerland]

If those numbers are correct
Rick Wade 8 years
Tony 6 years
Dave. 6 months
This shows that the Romero / Burgess led board have no fear and will inflicked big punishment for those who don’t fall into line
Rick Wade 8 years is the perfect example of a group of people who are extremely out of touch with reality , it’s look at me look at me , we need to push this so hard that the Romero and Burgess show implodes on its self , the negative publicity around these debenture holders needs to be pushed right out into the open with names so they pull there heads in and don’t support these 2 idiots

 

[magpies forever]

If those numbers are correct
Rick Wade 8 years
Tony 6 years
Dave. 6 months
This shows that the Romero / Burgess led board have no fear and will inflicked big punishment for those who don’t fall into line
Rick Wade 8 years is the perfect example of a group of people who are extremely out of touch with reality , it’s look at me look at me , we need to push this so hard that the Romero and Burgess show implodes on its self , the negative publicity around these debenture holders needs to be pushed right out into the open with names so they pull there heads in and don’t support these 2 idiots

Can anyone please remind me what these 3 were supposed to have done to cause such grave offence?

 

[bbobb]

Just on the debenture system - is anyone aware of the constitution of how change would be facilitated? I’d imagine it would be lawful in its establishment so I am not sure you can’t just throw it out or change it.

Is it like it needs 2/3 of debenture holders to agree to the change?

 

[Magpie_Magic]

The fact that the replacement debenture holders are chosen by the board, which is a majority of debenture holders makes it a closed system that is set up to limit change.

They can decide on people that agree with the direction/ agenda they are pushing and protect their power.

It’s a design feature in order to perpetuate certain values.

Club was founded this way.

Business wise it is far more successful than others have been who supposedly promoted candidates on a subjective meritocracy.

 

[cochise]

It’s a design feature in order to perpetuate certain values.

Club was founded this way.

Business wise it is far more successful than others have been who supposedly promoted candidates on a subjective meritocracy.

Well it also allows people to hide behind it as well.

 

[Magpie_Magic]

Well it also allows people to hide behind it as well.

I gave my reasons why I feel it has value. Post #375.

You are questioning the governance which isn't illegal.

You may advocate for change to that governance (preferably if a general member of HBG) however an entity isn't obliged to conform to your preference......or mine.

 

[cochise]

I gave my reasons why I feel it has value. Post #375.

You are questioning the governance which isn't illegal.

You may advocate for change to that governance (preferably if a general member of HBG) however an entity isn't obliged to conform to your preference......or mine.

No they are not, just fighting for what I believe mate.