Richardson’s white knight dream at Tigers appears over
Scott Bailey |
Shane Richardson’s hopes of being Wests Tigers’ saviour are hanging by a thread, with the veteran administrator appearing increasingly unlikely to stay on as chief executive.
In the latest twist in the Tigers’ week of turmoil, it emerged on Friday a complaint had been made to the NRL about Richardson and financial dealings at the club.
The alleged issue is understood to relate to the club contracting a company Richardson part owns with his son, for digital marketing and branding work.
Sources close to Richardson have stressed the CEO is adamant all deals were transparent and approved by the club’s board with appointment via a tender process.
But regardless, the situation highlights the increasing tensions that are now escalating at a rapid rate.
Just a week ago Richardson was trumpeting a return to suburban grounds and renewed confidence both Jahream Bula and Jarome Luai would remain Tigers.
But the decision from owners, the Holman Barnes Group, to remove Barry O’Farrell as chair and three other independent directors has rocked the club.
It is understood key officials were blindsided by the decision on Monday evening, with the owners claiming they had been left out of key commercial decisions.
Richardson has not spoken publicly since the culling of the board, but is known to be considering his future with the Tigers.
As things stand it is extremely hard to see Richardson and the Holman Barnes Group co-existing, if they do take charge of the club’s board as expected.
Richardson has worked heavily in lockstep with O’Farrell since his appointment in 2023, and has also been a strong proponent of independents on the board.
One potential way Richardson could remain at the Tigers is if there was NRL intervention, but it remains unclear if there is ground for head office to step in.
Several fan groups and the likes of former outside back Beau Ryan have urged Peter V’landys to do so, while a rally has been organised for December 13.
V’landys has vowed to look into the situation and admitted he holds concerns, but the NRL has only previously intervened in extreme circumstances.
The Holman Barnes Group own a 90 per cent stake in Wests Tigers, as owners of Wests Ashfield Leagues Club and majority owners of Western Suburbs.
They appointed a board comprising of four independent directors, a Balmain representative and two of their own after an external recommendation in January.
But that board lasted just 11 months, following the Holman Barnes Group’s complaints that they had been left out of decisions such as stadium policy.
Richardson had arrived as the Tigers’ white knight in late 2023, with the club having been out of finals for 12 seasons and amid a run of three straight wooden spoons.
Not withstanding Lachlan Galvin’s high-profile exit, Richardson was able to secure Luai’s arrival and has made headway with stadium upgrades and commercial growth.
But the chances of him being the man at the helm when they return to the finals or play at upgraded suburban grounds now appear extremely slim.
If Richardson does go, the club will be on the lookout for a new chief with former Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp one option as the Tigers’ current head of football.
AAP
