“Further to this, the Holman Barnes board doesn’t believe the communication between the boards has been satisfactory.”
That was rejected by O’Farrell, Williams, Viola and McDowell, who released a statement on Monday night saying the board had been “unified and effective in improving the Wests Tigers’ governance, strategy and financial performance”.
“Holman Barnes Group is represented on the board of the Wests Tigers and its representative has been present at all Wests Tigers board meetings and provided with all board information. No concerns have been raised by the representative of Holman Barnes Group at any Wests Tigers board meeting in relation to governance, communication or consultation. We are yet to be informed of the detail or particulars of Holman Barnes Group’s concerns,” the statement said.
“For the strong and independent governance of the Wests Tigers to be dismantled after only 11 months is extremely disappointing.
“The most important thing is to protect the Club, the staff, the players and the members.”
O’Farrell joined the board, firstly as interim chairman, in December 2023, after the board then chaired by Lee Hagipantelis was removed in its entirety by HBG.
Paton said the governance changes would not impact Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson or coach Benji Marshall.
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall during a training session at Concord Oval.Credit: Rhett Wyman
“We don’t want to micromanage the football operations, and we have full faith in Shane Richardson as CEO and Benji Marshall as coach,” Paton said. “We do, however, need to be consulted on decisions that will impact the club’s financial future.
“Yes, the club recently turned a profit, but we’re looking at the next 15 years, not just year to year.”
Paton said Balmain remained a huge part of the joint venture following concerns last year that it would have no representation at board level.
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“Balmain isn’t going anywhere; we’re proud and committed supporters of Balmain,” Paton said. “Balmain are very much a part of this joint venture, they maintain their 10 per cent share, and retain their seat on the board.”
Holman Barnes Group owns 90 per cent of Wests Tigers and Monday’s changes appear to be a move to regain control of the football club.
“Our focus is on stability, unity and success both on and off the field,” Holman Barnes Group said in a statement. “Holman Barnes Group and the Wests Tigers share a deep commitment to the players, members, fans and communities, and we will continue to work together to build a strong, sustainable and successful long-term future for the club.”
