Entire Wests Tigers administration ousted as former NSW premier returns to embattled NRL club

NRL club Wests Tigers have overhauled their entire administration following an independent review into the club, bringing in former New South Wales premier Barry O’Farrell as interim chair and ex-Souths boss Shane Richardson as interim chief executive.

The club, which was born in the 1999 merger of Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers, last made the top eight in 2011 and finished with the wooden spoon in 2023.

The new entity has reached the finals just three times since its inception, winning the NRL premiership in 2005.

Chief executive Justin Pascoe has resigned and chair Lee Hagipantelis – whose law firm Brydens Lawyers is the club’s major sponsor – has been ousted as part of the changes.

The club’s statement said Pascoe “believes the review marks the right time for the club to make a fresh start”.

Hagipantelis was approached for comment.

Tony Andreacchio, a long-time Wests Ashfield member and current director who pursued the review process, thanked Hagipantelis and Pascoe for their efforts.

“Lee and Justin faced enormous challenges, but they have left a legacy which gives us a strong base for the future,” Andreacchio said.

“But one thing is clear, this club is determined to provide the leadership required to be successful in the NRL.”

An interim board will include O’Farrell, David Gilbert from Holman Barnes Group, which owns licensed club Wests Ashfield, Balmain Tigers chairman Danny Stapleton, and a nomination from the Wests Magpies.

Stapleton said all shareholders were united in supporting the changes.

“We all share one goal – to see the Wests Tigers again become a real force in the NRL on and off the field,” Stapleton said.

The restructure follows an independent review and was approved earlier this week by the club’s shareholders – Balmain Tigers Rugby League Football Club and Wests Magpies.

The latter entity has effective control after Balmain defaulted on a loan in 2014.

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Andreacchio said change was prompted by 12 years without a finals appearance.

“We are determined to be successful for our members and fans and that process begins in the front office,” Andreacchio said.

Benji Marshall – who was part of the 2005 premiership side – is entering his first season as head coach, after assisting Tim Sheens last season.

Sheens coached the Tigers between 2003 and 2012 during their period of success, but his return to the club last year did not produce the same results.

O’Farrell, who was NSW premier between 2011 and 2014, was previously Wests Tigers chair in 2019 before taking up a role as High Commissioner to India.

The club is renewing its roster after letting much-maligned halfback Luke Brooks leave to join Manly in the off-season.

The Tigers have brought in 1.96m rugby union winger Solomon Alaimalo this week to augment the side’s backline.

Fullback Jahream Bula was pipped for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 2023 by Panthers winger Sunia Turuva, but has re-signed with the Tigers until the end of the 2027 season.