Wests Tigers’ entire board is SACKED as CEO resigns effective immediately in the biggest change in the struggling club’s history
- Comes after 12 years without finals football
- Club has 'won' back-to-back wooden spoons
- Shareholders acted on rifts in the boardroom
The ax has been brutally swung in the battle against NRL club Wests Tigers, with the entire board sacked on Tuesday.
Chairman Lee Hagipantelis and the entire Wests Tigers board have been voted out, while CEO Justin Pascoe has reportedly resigned.
The club took extreme action after back-to-back wooden spoons and a wave of coaches were fired or left the club, including Tim Sheens, Ivan Cleary and Michael McGuire.
Benji Marshall, Tiger's favorite son and 2005 premiership winner, has been given the inevitable task of turning the club around as its new coach but has faced a boardroom revolt.
Shareholders have had enough and have voted in favor of sweeping changes following an independent review of the club's board.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe (pictured left) has resigned while chairman Lee Hagipantelis and the entire Wests Tigers board have been voted out
It comes after twelve seasons without finals for Wests, including consecutive wooden spoons
Tigers champion Benji Marshall has been appointed coach to sort out the mess in 2024
Former NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Shane Richardson will manage the club in the interim.
The sweeping changes have the potential to also put the club in financial jeopardy, with the future of Hagipantelis' Brydens Lawyers sponsorship now also in limbo.
The club's board is split into three factions: the Holman Barnes Group, Wests and Balmain.
The directors of the Holman Barnes Group on the Tigers' board fell on their own sword and voted in favor of the changes, despite it meaning their own position on the board would be the sacrifice.
HBG chairman Tony Andreacchio said the changes were crucial after the club had gone 12 years without a finals appearance.
“We are committed to being successful for our members and fans and that process starts with the front office,” Andreacchio said after thanking Hagipantelis and Pascoe for their services.
“Lee and Justin faced enormous challenges, but they left a legacy that gives us a strong foundation for the future. But one thing is clear: this club is committed to providing the leadership needed to be successful in the NRL.”
Former South Sydney boss Shane Richardson has been installed as interim leader
Richardson will be joined for the interim period by former NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell
It will be O'Farrell's second stint in charge after being appointed in 2019 before stepping down after taking up a role as High Commissioner to India.
The temporary board has been temporarily reduced from seven to four members.
It will consist of representatives from each of the Wests Tigers shareholders, namely Dave Gilbert (HBG), Danny Stapleton (Chairman of Balmain Tigers) and an upcoming nominee from the Wests Magpies, with O'Farrell taking on the role of Chairman takes.
“We all share one goal: to see the Wests Tigers become a real force in the NRL again, both on and off the field,” Stapleton said.
His statement was endorsed by Magpies chairman Dennis Burgess.
An emergency board meeting, initially scheduled for Tuesday evening, has reportedly been postponed by 24 hours.
This delay is attributed to the need to finalize legal documents and facilitate the establishment of the club's new leadership structure.