Wests Tigers make mass changes after scathing club review

The maligned chairman and CEO of the Tigers have left the NRL battlers in a mass board exodus that promises to shake up the club.

Two maligned Wests Tigers powerbrokers are out the door.

Wests Tigers have made wholesale changes to the club’s board structure after the NRL battlers received a scathing independent review.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, shareholders in the club agreed to sweeping changes on Monday night, which include chairman Lee Hagipantelis and chief executive Justin Pascoe both stepping down.

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The Tigers’ new leadership structure will reportedly be led in an interim capacity by former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell, his second stint in the position, and ex-South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson.

A meeting that had been slated for Tuesday night has now been delayed to allow these extraordinary moves to be ratified.

In a statement, the club said: “Wests Tigers are grateful for Justin’s leadership and believe he will be successful in his future endeavours.”

Holman Barnes Group Chairman Tony Andreacchio said the shareholders have accepted the recommendations of the review to appoint an interim chairman and interim chief executive to take the club forward.

Lee Hagipantelis (right) and Justin Pascoe have reportedly stepped down from the Tigers’ board. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Former South Sydney boss Shane Richardson will join the Tigers with Barry O’Farrell. Photo: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

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

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

“In particular, they leave us with a world class Centre of Excellence and the club is in a stronger financial position because of the relationships they established with sponsors and other supporters.

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

Danny Stapleton, chair of Balmain, said it was significant that 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,” he said.

The moves will likely be welcomed by fans, who have had to watch the Tigers struggle for years under the current leadership.

Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe is gone. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The Pascoe Fiasco is over.

The Wests Tigers won the 2005 NRL premiership but haven’t made the finals since 2011 — the longest drought of any team.

Hagipantelis has been at the helm for four years and didn’t have a say over his future as that power resides with shareholders.

He is also the club’s major sponsor.

The changes have come about due to an independent review ordered by the Holman Barnes Group and are subject to legal approval.

O’Farrell and Richardson will begin their roles in 2024.

Originally published as Wests Tigers make mass changes after scathing club review