Wests Tigers – Holman Barnes Group saga explained: Key questions answers
There’s drama behind the scenes at the Tigers, but all fans want to know is what impact the chaos will have on the players – notably star half Jarome Luai. We have all your questions answered.
The Tigers have been making headlines during the off-season for all the wrong reasons.
However, the drama isn’t coming from the players, rather it’s the behind-the-scenes chaos that is sparking unrest.
If you’re struggling to keep up with the action, we’ve got you covered.
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What is the Holman Barnes Group?
Formerly known as Western Suburbs Leagues Club Limited, the group was renamed after Western Suburbs legend (Keith Holman) and Balmain great (Keith Barnes). It operates three clubs — Wests Ashfield, Croydon Sports, and Markets Club. The group also owns 66 per cent of the Western Suburbs Magpies.
In essence, HBG owns the Wests Tigers and pays the bills.
Wests Tigers ownership and board structure?
Holman Barnes Group and Western Suburbs Magpies own 90 per cent of the Wests Tigers. Balmain have retained a 10 per cent ownership. Prior to Monday’s culling, the Wests Tigers board included four independents plus a director each from Holman Barnes, the Magpies and Tigers. Holman Barnes acquired 15 per cent of Balmain’s previous share in 2019. It agreed to pay off Balmain’s $3.2 million debt to the NRL before giving Balmain a 10 per cent share of the Wests Tigers, without charge.
What is the Holman Barnes Group trying to do?
Take full control of the Wests Tigers. It relinquished power following an independent review which resulted in four independent board members being appointed in January. That has now changed with Holman Barnes having full control of the club.
How do you get on the Holman Barnes Group board?
There are seven board members which are largely controlled by a debenture system, which has come under fire in recent months. Five of the just 20 debenture holders are appointed to the board alongside two eligible Holman Barnes Group general members.
Can the Wests Tigers name be changed to accommodate a return of the Western Suburbs?
Not yet, no, even though there are strong suggestions that there is a push for the Magpies to return. There is a heritage deed prohibiting the club from doing so until at least 2030. The NRL would be loathe to back any removal of the Tigers brand.
What does it mean for Shane Richardson?
Richardson, the Wests Tigers chief executive officer, is now long odds to start the season in charge. He apparently installed a contractual safeguard – in terms of a strong financial payout – as a level of protecting himself from a drastic board change, which now seems like good business.
What does it mean for Benji Marshall?
In the short-term, nothing. The coach will be judged on results. However, Marshall did enjoy strong support from the previous board. It remains to be seen if that will change.
What does it mean for Jarome Luai?
The Wests Tigers five-eighth is in the second of a five-year deal at the club. However, his contract also contains safeguards from club turmoil, with exit clauses which allow him to leave after this season. The Tigers were negotiating with Luai to remove those clauses and lock him down until the end of 2029, but that is now up in the air with this latest chapter of chaos.
What do the club greats say?
Balmain legend Ben Elias has been extremely vocal, warning Holman Barnes Group that 100,000 fans would take to the streets in protest if it tried to ditch Balmain and change the name of the Wests Tigers to Wests Magpies.
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