‘Nothing to hide’: Exiled director at centre of Wests Tigers’ civil war hits back after ban

Former Wests Tigers director Rick Wayde has hit back after receiving a club-wide ban, saying he has nothing to hide or fear amid a civil war at the majority owner of the NRL club.

One of the directors at the centre of the latest boardroom drama involving the ownership of the Wests Tigers insists he has nothing to hide and would stack his reputation up against anyone else at the club.

Rick Wayde is a long-time director of the Holman Barnes Group – the majority owners of the Tigers – but finds himself frozen out after the board launched a confidential investigation into he and two fellow directors, Dave Gilbert and Tony Andreacchio.

Wayde, Gilbert and Andreacchio are all former members of the Tigers board but stepped aside when the club underwent a governance review last year that led to an overhaul of its structure.

However, the trio remain on the board of the Holman Barnes Group, which provides the ultimate financial muscle for the ­Tigers and has a decisive say in how the club operates.

An email was sent to employees of the Holman Barnes Group last week saying Wayde, Gilbert and Andreacchio had been banned from entering the club and all club premises pending an investigation.

The email contained no details of the allegations against the trio, but Wayde – who has been a director of Wests Ashfield for 40 years – insisted he had nothing to fear as boardroom politics threatens to engulf the Tigers again.

Rick Wayde (right) and former Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis. Picture: NRL Imagery

“I have nothing to hide,” Wayde said. “I would put my track record up against any other director either at Holman Barnes or anywhere else in the club industry for that matter.

“I am very proud of my performances. So bring it on.”

Holman Barnes Group chair Julie Romero declined to comment but referred this masthead to a message that had been posted on its website in reference to the matter. The post said the boardroom drama at Holman Barnes would have no impact on the NRL club.

The Tigers returned to training last week as they look to avoid a fourth consecutive wooden spoon.

“The Holman Barnes Group confirms it has commenced a confidential investigation into the alleged conduct of three individuals who held directorships on the board,” it read.

The Wests Tigers board is at war again.

“The investigation follows the chair being made aware of the alleged conduct which, if established, may give rise to breaches by the directors of their obligations as members or directors of the group.

“All members, including directors, are expected to adhere to the standards, policies and obligations set forth in the group’s constitution and by-laws.

“The investigation is being conducted by an external third party. Under the constitution, the directors involved have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them before any final decision is made.

Holman Barnes Group said the board drama would not impact the NRL club. Picture: Julian Andrews

“While this process is ongoing, the directors in question have been suspended from all privileges of membership. The group will not comment further on this process prior to its conclusion out of respect for those involved.

“The group’s priority is to ensure confidentiality and respect for its community, members, and observing due process. The investigation is a Holman Barnes Group board matter and does not impact the football department at Wests Tigers.”

Originally published as ‘Nothing to hide’: Exiled director at centre of Wests Tigers’ civil war hits back after ban