NRL news: Wests Tigers urged to make board review public, consider electing a member-appointed director

The Wests Tigers have been urged to make their controversial review public, and consider electing a member-appointed director, after the entire board was stood down.

Wests Tigers have been urged to elect a member-appointed director, after the entire board was stood down this week, including Board Director Lee Hagipantelis and CEO Justin Pascoe. Picture: Getty Images

Wests Tigers have been strongly urged to make their controversial independent governance and culture report public and consider electing a member-appointed director.

The fallout at Concord continues after chairman Lee Hagipantelis, chief executive Justin Pascoe and the entire board were stood down this week.

Tigers legend Ben Elias said the club “could replace a sponsor very easily” should Hagipantelis, principal at Brydens Lawyers, not renew his major sponsorship.

Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Byrne, whose electorate runs through Balmain heartland, including Leichhardt Oval, wants the review to be made public.

Wests Tigers have been urged to elect a member-appointed director, after the entire board was stood down this week, including Board Director Lee Hagipantelis and CEO Justin Pascoe. Picture: Getty Images

“After so many years of the Wests Tigers being beaten up this is our chance to get off the floor. We can’t afford any more false starts,” Byrne said.

“The review recommendations should be released publicly and become the blueprint for making the club administration more accountable to members and fans. Now is the time to hold an AGM to brief all the members on the plan for Wests Tigers’ revitalisation.

“(Interim CEO) Shane Richardson has an unmatched track record of lifting clubs out of the cellar. If Shane can include the members and fans in the decision-making then that’s a recipe for real reform and renewal.”

Long-time Wests Tigers fan and Wests Life podcast co-host Rob Bechara wants members to select a board member.

He claims the move would give club members a much-needed say in how the club was being administered.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has called for the Wests Tigers board review to be made public. Picture: Richard Dobson

“There should be a member-appointed board member. That gives the fans a voice. As a fan base, all we want is hope,” he said.

“I have never been more excited. By clearing the decks on the board, and having fresh blood come in, they can set a clear path moving forward.”

Elias insisted the club wouldn’t be troubled finding a sponsorship replacement if Hagipantelis walked away with Brydens given the NRL’s “national exposure.”

“There are a couple of national companies who I think would step in,” Elias said.

“Wests Tigers are a popular side and it would be national exposure with a massive audience.

“The club has a massive fan base from all walks of life. We have the likes of Bill the butcher to Barry the billionaire. I think they could replace a sponsor very easily.

“Wests Tigers have enormous reach. Have a look at the numbers.

“We have been wooden spooners for two years but we still rate really strongly in television through a strong and loyal fan base.”