St John’s College Old Boy Barry O’Farrell returns to familiar role

St John’s College Old Boy and former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell determined to resurrect the Wests Tigers.

Darwin’s best known sporting school is poised to play a big part in resurrecting the on-field fortunes of National Rugby League club Wests Tigers.

St John’s College in Stuart Park has produced a galaxy of sporting stars, most of them associated with Australian football and the national competition known as the Australian Football League.

Former St John’s College student Barry O’Farrell, who was the Premier of NSW from 2011-14 and a past Australian High Commissioner to India, has been appointed the Tigers’ interim chairman after the club’s entire board was sacked this week.

The Tigers have struggled to be competitive since last making the NRL finals in 2010 and 2011 after winning their sole premiership in 2005.

Wooden spoons in 2022 and again this year forced a review into the Tigers’ off-field operations, resulting in incumbent CEO Justin Pascoe standing down, along with chairman Leo Hagipantelis.

Barry O’Farrell with Moses Mbye at Loftus Street, during his stint as the club’s Chair in 2019. Picture: Monique Harmer.

Now 64, O’Farrell attended St John’s in the mid 1970s when he completed his high school education.

The Darwin catholic college has produced a number of prominent sportspeople, notably AFL stars Nathan Buckley, Andrew McLeod, Basil Campbell, Ronnie Burns, Maurice Rioli, Sibby Rioli, Brian Stanislaus, Dean Rioli and Willie Rioli Sr and Jr.

The West Tigers are now being led by O’Farrell and former Penrith and South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson, now the club’s interim CEO, in the biggest off-field shake-up at the NRL club since Balmain and Western Suburbs became a joint entity in 1999.

O’Farrell is a past chairman of the Tigers, relinquishing his role when he was appointed to the High Commissioner’s role in 2019.

“I’m looking forward to linking up with the Tigers again,’’ the St John’s old boy said in a social media post from the Tigers.

“I’m determined to work with Shane Richardson to help drive success for our fans in 2024.’’