Key transfer falls apart as a result of undisclosed conflicts behind the story.

Wests Tigers shareholders have this week announced major changes to the management of the club following an independent governance and culture review.

Additionally, the departure of Chief Executive Justin Pascoe, who believes the review presents an opportune moment for the club to start afresh, has occurred. The Wests Tigers express gratitude for Pascoe’s leadership and wish him success in his future endeavors.

Holman Barnes Group Chairman Tony Andreacchio announces that shareholders have accepted the review’s recommendations, leading to the appointment of an interim Chairman and interim Chief Executive Officer to guide the club forward. Both the Wests Magpies and the Balmain Tigers voice full support for the revitalization efforts aimed at ensuring the club’s long-term success.

Key changes include the appointment of former Premier Barry O’Farrell as interim Chairman and Shane Richardson as interim Chief Executive Officer. O’Farrell previously served as Wests Tigers Chairman in 2019 and later became the High Commissioner to India. Richardson, with over 30 years of club management experience, was CEO of the Penrith Panthers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, achieving premiership success with both clubs.

An interim Board, reduced from seven members to four, will oversee the review’s implementation. The interim Board comprises O’Farrell (Chairman) and representatives from each of the three Wests Tigers shareholders – Dave Gilbert (Holman Barnes), Danny Stapleton (Balmain Tigers Chairman), and a nominee from the Wests Magpies, pending legal approvals.

O’Farrell and Richardson will assume their roles in the new year, overseeing the transition to a new, seven-director Board, including four independent directors, the chair, and representatives from each shareholder. They will also implement further recommendations from the review to position the club for long-term success.

Unfortunately, this strategic overhaul appears to have led to the abandonment of the pursuit of Tonga star Addin Fonua-Blake, creating an opportunity for the Cronulla Sharks to secure his signing. Reports suggest that the Tigers have withdrawn from the move. While the club is poised for a new beginning, it won’t involve Fonua-Blake.