Blocker backs Benny Elias bid to buy Wests Tigers, club not so keen

A Ben Elias-led consortium has tabled a huge offer to take control of the Wests Tigers and at least one club great is backing the bid. HAVE YOUR SAY

Zac Cini of the Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a try during the round eight NRL match against St George Illawarra. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

A Ben Elias-led consortium seeking to take ownership of Wests Tigers has tabled an offer believed to be as high as $15 million.

While Wests Tigers officials are claiming the club is “not for sale,” a former teammate of Elias, Steve Roach, has strongly urged directors to consider the bid.

Roach said the consortium would bring the “top end of town” into the club.

Elias and a group of wealthy businessmen, who wish to remain anonymous until talks ramp up, want to buy a 50.5 per cent controlling stake in the club.

Elias held a two-hour meeting with Wests Tigers powerbrokers at Wests Leagues Club, Ashfield, on Tuesday.

The proposal Elias lodged will be discussed at a club board meeting next Tuesday.

Tigers great Benny Elias has made a bid to take control of the club. Picture: Christian Gilles

It was initially thought the offer was worth around $10 million but is now understood to be closer to $15 million.

“Bloody oath they should consider it, for sure, 100 per cent. I’m not bagging anyone on the board but Benny is talking about bringing in strong businessmen, like the Roosters,” Roach said.

“I don’t think it would be fair if they didn’t look at it. You have to look at any proposal that comes forward, that’s just common sense.

“I’m told (the consortium includes) people from the top end of -town. I want our club to be right up there and to get back to where we used to be. Rugby league is a big business. It makes sense.”

While Wests Tigers directors respect Elias, there appears little appetite just yet to consider selling the club.

“Yes, Ben came into the Leagues Club on Tuesday with a proposal from his consortium and we had a great chat. Ben is passionate about rugby league and Wests Tigers,” said Wests Tigers director and Wests Leagues, Ashfield, CEO, Simon Cook.

“My job is to pass that through to the board and the board will consider it at their board meeting on Tuesday. However, Wests Tigers is not for sale.”

Elias has growing support for his bid from a number of former Wests Tigers, Balmain and Wests players.

Tigers and NSW teammates Ben Elias and Steve Roach. Picture: Richard Dobson

Speaking on Fox Sports’ NRL 360, Elias said: “This isn’t a business decision by any means of the imagination.

“There isn’t money (to be made) in clubs and there is no profit made with the Wests Tigers. If you break-even, you’ve had a good year.

“It has always been a passion. If you can contribute something back to the game that you’d think could be beneficial … the love of my life is the Tigers. Always, has been, always will be.

“We have put an offer forward and a lot will be kept confidential before the meeting next Tuesday, when they make a decision.

“If so, all and good, if not, mate, I’m a million per cent behind the club because I love them and what they’re doing is terrific.”

Originally published as Blocker backs Benny Elias bid to buy Wests Tigers, club not so keen