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Wests Tigers Chief Executive Officer Shane Richardson has quit the club after two years in the role after refusing to work with the joint-venture’s owners following the sacking of four independent directors.
The veteran administrator, who previously had stints at South Sydney, Panthers and Cronulla, had extended his tenure last year on a deal until 2028 but he only lasted one and a half years.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of the Wests Tigers and see what we’ve been able to achieve as a club,” Richardson said in a statement released by the club on Monday.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Benji Marshall, the players, staff, sponsors and fans for their support over the last two years.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of staff who work tremendously hard – from administration through to football – and their efforts in turning this club around need to be recognised, without them the club would not be in the position it is today.”
He then addressed the waiting media outside the club’s Concord base with a lengthy speech about the uncertain plight of the club after ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys had expressed concern for their fans.
“PVL made a comment the other day that it’s all about the fans and we’ve got to support the fans,” he said.
“I hope he carries that through because at the end of the day our fans are magnificent.”
He became emotional when he spoke about Marshall’s challenges that he has faced as coach.
“Benji Marshall loves this club,” he added.
“You can’t start (turning their fortunes around) until you get somebody who loves this club and he does. So stick with him and you’ll go a long way.
“What Benji Marshall does and his word is his bond. If you haven’t got your integrity you’ve got nothing. Benji’s got a load of it.”
Holman Barnes Group Chief Executive Officer Daniel Paton has been at loggerheads with Richardson following the removal of chair Barry O’Farrell and three other directors last week.
“His resignation paves the way for a new path forward for the football club, and we will be making an announcement about the new leadership in the near future.”
Paton moved to reassure fans “of our commitment to the joint venture” amid speculation that the feuding factions representing Balmain and the Magpies could force a split.
“We intend for everyone to move forward together as one, and will be driving this reality through a new CEO and leadership,” Paton added.
Benji Marshall. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
Richardson’s deal is reportedly worth $750,000 annually and it is understood that he has received a lucrative payout settlement as part of the early termination of his contract.
“It’s the Wests Tigers. That’s what it is. The Wests Tigers,” Richardson said when asked about the factionalism in the club.
“Twenty-five years of history and one premiership.”
Wests Tigers general manager of football Shaun Mielekamp is set to fill in for Richardson on an interim basis with former Manly boss Tony Mestrov in the running to be his full-time replacement.
Richardson was in the spotlight after the Sydney Morning Herald last week revealed the NRL was investigating his conduct due to a potential conflict of interest regarding the use of the Enrichd Group – a company which he part-owns with his son, Brent – by the Wests Tigers.
The Holman Barnes Group is also facing questions over its governance of the Wests Tigers with the boardroom instability creating uncertainty over whether marquee stars Jarome Luai and Jahream Bula remain at the club.