NRL 2024: Tim Sheens, Lee Hagipantelis snub Wests Tigers 25th anniversary gala | What’s the Buzz
A major sponsor and the man who coached the Wests Tigers to their only premiership were notably absent at the club’s 25-year anniversary gala dinner on Friday night.
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The Wests Tigers held their 25-year anniversary gala dinner on Friday night — but the event was boycotted by legendary coach Tim Sheens and their major sponsor.
Sheens left the club in bitter circumstances last year and is still dirty on certain figures at the club who he believes undermined him.
He could not be contacted for comment.
The man who masterminded the Tigers’ famous 2005 NRL premiership victory was not the only heavyweight absentee at the Wests Ashfield club where past players, coaches, sponsors and officials gathered for the event.
Lee Hagipantelis, the principal of major sponsor Brydens Lawyers, was not there either. Hagipantelis was dumped as chairman 12 months ago.
Which brings us to some interesting political games happening behind the scenes in recent times.
The Wests Tigers independent review last year recommended “the current board should resign” to allow for the recommendations in the report to be implemented.
I know because I have seen a copy of the report. It is there in black and white.
Despite this, one stayed as part of an interim board – Danny Stapleton. And another, Dennis Burgess, has in recent weeks returned as a director.
Burgess is a professional musician of all things and chairman of the Australian Songwriters Association. An interesting skill set to the board of an NRL club.
All this has all been happening behind the scenes in recent weeks.
It was hoped the review would mean a fresh start from an administrative position at least. To bring in new people with new ideas.
What’s the point of even having a review if you’re not going to follow the recommendations.
It has been a difficult year for the club on and off the field.
They’ve lost three big sponsors, worth a combined $1.8 million.
Their two best forwards – Stefano Utoikamanu and Isaiah Papali’i – have both left.
At least things are looking more promising after back-to-back victories over Souths and Manly.
That there are positive signs that their long-suffering fans have something to look forward to in the not-too-distant future.
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Originally published as NRL 2024: Tim Sheens, Lee Hagipantelis snub Wests Tigers 25th anniversary gala | What’s the Buzz
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