Wests Tigers Turmoil

http://www.weststigers.com.au/

  

Uncertain futures are never something to look forward too, whether it is for a player, a coach, or unfortunately, a team. It is well known that the Wests Tigers have faced many financial issues and issues regarding friction within the club board for years, but as of the last few weeks, those issues have become increasingly dire.

In the conclusion of the 1999 season it was decided that two National Rugby League football clubs would come together to make one team by the commencement of the 2000 season. Both of the collaborated teams- the Balmain Tigers and the Western Suburbs Magpies- had been individually founded in 1908 and departed in 1999 for the establishment of the Wests Tigers. The board has always been split 50-50 with equal representatives and equity entitlements held by each club.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Suburbs_Magpies

Currently in the news it has been claimed that the Balmain Tigers are in threat of being fully removed from the NRL Club due to finance issues and as a result, all equity entitlement would be given to the Western Suburbs Magpies. This has been speculated to cause all sorts of problems for the Wests Tigers, including abandoning home grounds and even relocating the entire club to Perth.

Both the NRL and the Wests Tigers’ CEO, Grant Mayer, have released statements clarifying and refuting these claims. Although it seems that Balmain’s days within the NRL could be numbered, the Wests Tigers have maintained they not rely on the funding and would survive even if Balmain folded due to the recent assistance from the NRL and a subsequence governance reform. The two groups also insisted no plans had been made or discussed to relocate the club.
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmain_Tigers

 

In the statement, Mayer acknowledged the confusion and concern between fans, members and corporate supporter base. He went on to say, "Put simply, there is no need for anyone from Wests Tigers point of view to be concerned. Wests Tigers have undergone a rigorous process with the NRL to secure the future of the club and would like to ease the concern of our extended family."

Firstly, thank the dear football god above that it has been reassured the Wests Tigers are not relocating and that their future as an existing, competing team has been labeled safe. Reassurance that nothing will occur may not stem the flow of anxiety that something may eventually happen, but at the moment, it is all the loyal members, fans and supporters can trust.

Secondly, Western Magpies supporters have possibly missed the fact that this once great team, is now considered to be the Wests Tigers. Hazing the official club pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) with comments that the Magpies should return and that the Tigers have had their time are becoming annoying and increasingly senseless. The Wests Tigers may have ties back to two clubs, however they are now what they have been for the last 14 years- the Wests Tigers. The Wests Tigers have a large fan base from people with differing generations and genders. They are no longer the Magpies and should no longer be associated as ‘just’ an adaptation of the Western Suburbs Magpies team but with a different jersey and club name.

I for one sincerely hope this new governance reform abolishes these continuous financial and ownership/ representative issues. Seek the positives, embrace the change and support your team.

#throughthickandthin