Former Balmain and New Zealand skipper Gary Freeman has slammed the Tigers over the latest farce to engulf the club.
In a boardroom coup on Monday, chairman and former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell and three other directors were sacked by the Holman Barnes Group that runs the club.
One of the reasons for the drastic move is believed to be the colour scheme of the new club jersey for 2026, which was deemed to be ‘too much Balmain and not enough Wests’.
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The sackings are the latest off-field turmoil to hit the club, which has been plagued by boardroom scuffles for over 20 years.
Freeman, who led the club during a golden era in the late 1980s and early ’90s, was left baffled by the move.
Tigers stars Jarome Luai, Kezzie Apps and Apisai Koroisau model their 2026 jerseys. Wests Tigers
“I can’t believe some of the stuff I am hearing about the Tigers – it is very disappointing, especially for the fans,” Freeman said.
“You look at the strong clubs and they have a good front office and everyone is on the same page.
“That isn’t the case at the Tigers at the moment and to be honest, it probably never has been since the merger.
“It looks like the two factions just can’t work together.
“They made some progress on the field last year but this will hurt them.
“If they are fighting, the players will say it doesn’t affect them.
“But in their hearts and minds, it does.”
O’Farrell issued a statement on Tuesday morning hitting back at the sackings.
Barry O’Farrell (centre) was one of several Tigers board members axed. Steven Siewert
“Since January 2025, the board has been unified and effective in improving the Wests Tigers’ governance, strategy and financial performance,” it read.
“We have at all times complied with our fiduciary duties in our roles as directors.
“We reject any suggestion of a lack of communication with Holman Barnes Group.
“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 details or particulars of Holman Barnes Group’s concerns.”