1 week ago
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In a move which will leave many Wests Tigers fans shaking their heads yet again, four independent members of the club's board have been sensationally removed by the club's majority owner, the Holman Barnes Group.
The gripes from Holman Barnes include the NRL club's recently released 2026 jersey, which has been deemed 'too orange' – or Balmain-centric – in some quarters.
Wests are a joint-venture club forged from the union of the Magpies and Balmain Tigers in 1999, with tension between the two factions becoming a hallmark of the team.
On Monday, former NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell was axed as chairman alongside Annabelle Williams, Charlie Viola and Michelle McDowell.
The quartet were stunned at the decision, having only been appointed to the board in January.
Following the bombshell development, Holman Barnes will now gain full control of the Tigers.
Wests Tigers fans will be shaking their heads yet again over the bombshell removal of four board members (pictured, five-eighth Jarome Luai)
Among the gripes from Holman Barnes include the NRL's club recently released 2026 jersey, which has been been 'too orange' or Balmain-centric
The group has reportedly already appointed new board members, including Holman Barnes chief executive Daniel Paton, who is adamant fresh faces were essential to keep the club moving forward.
'While it [the appointment of independent directors] has worked in some areas, it hasn't worked in others,' Paton told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'And the Holman Barnes board has been left in the dark on some commercially sensitive announcements.
'Further to this, the Holman Barnes board doesn't believe the communication between the boards has been satisfactory.'
Other concerns flagged by Holman Barnes, who run the Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, include the stadiums strategy as well as a push by the independent board members who wanted to update the shareholding agreement.
Holman Barnes Group owns 90 per cent of Wests Tigers. Monday's changes were implemented as they ultimately move to regain control of the football club.
'Our focus is stability, unity and success both on and off the field,' a statement from HBG read.
'Holman Barnes Group and the Wests Tigers share a deep commitment to the players, members, fans and communities.
'We will continue to work together to build a strong, sustainable and successful long-term future for the club.'
On Monday, former NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell (pictured) was axed as chairman alongside Annabelle Williams, Charlie Viola and Michelle McDowell
Despite the changes at board level, Benji Marshall appears to be safe as head coach, but the same can't be said for CEO Shane Richardson.
The Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers merged in 1999 ahead of the 2000 NRL season.
A historic premiership followed five years later under Tim Sheens, but long-suffering Tigers supporters haven't had much to cheer since.
With a Concord training base, plus home games split between Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium, the Tigers have an identity crisis.
A second NRL premiership appears light years away, but club legend Marshall did guide his team to a 13th place finish in 2025.
It followed three successive wooden spoons for the embattled joint venture club.
