Board dismissed and former NSW Premier steps in at NRL club Wests Tigers

The NRL’s Wests Tigers have overhauled their entire administration following an independent review into the club, bringing in former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell as interim Chair.

Club Chief Executive Justin Pascoe has resigned and Chair Lee Hagipantelis - whose law firm Brydens Lawyers is the club’s major sponsor - has been dismissed as part of a revamp of the board.

In a statement, the club advised that Pascoe “believes the review marks the right time for the club to make a fresh start”.

He will be replaced by former South Sydney executive Shane Richardson as interim Chief Executive.

Tony Andreacchio, a long-time Wests Ashfield member and current director who pursued the review process, thanked Hagipantelis and Pascoe for their efforts.

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

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

An interim board will include O’Farrell, David Gilbert from Holman Barnes Group, which owns licensed club Wests Ashfield, Balmain Tigers Chairman Danny Stapleton, and a nomination from the Wests Magpies.

Stapleton said all shareholders were united in supporting the changes, noting “we all share one goal - to see the Wests Tigers again become a real force in the NRL on and off the field.” The restructure follows an independent review and was approved earlier this week by the club’s shareholders - Balmain Tigers Rugby League Football Club and Wests Magpies.

The latter entity has effective control after Balmain defaulted on a loan in 2014.

Created in 1999 by the merger of Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers, Wests Tigers last made the top eight on the NRL ladder in 2011 and finished with the wooden spoon in 2023.

Explaining that the change was prompted by 12 years without a finals appearance, Andreacchio added “we are determined to be successful for our members and fans and that process begins in the front office.”

O’Farrell, who was NSW Premier between 2011 and 2014, was previously Wests Tigers Chair in 2019 before taking up a role as High Commissioner to India.

Image: Wests Tigers in NRL action at Leichhardt Oval. Credit: Wests Tigers/Facebook.