Wests Tigers Chair Lee Hagipantelis spoke with Big Sports Breakfast this morning about his new appointment and excitement for the season ahead at Wests Tigers.
Long-time supporter and Major Sponsor of the club with Brydens Lawyers, Hagipantelis accepted his role effective immediately last Wednesday.
"It's been almost a natural evolution for me," Hagipantelis said.
“I started off as a fan and supporter of the club and then moved into a sponsorship role — eventually taking on the major sponsorship — and then the offer came to chair the board and it was one I found irresistible.
"The NRL and rugby league has been a part of my life for many years but to be able to be involved at the inner sanctum level is something that I never would have thought would happen and it’s exceeded all of my expectations.
"If anyone has the opportunity to become involved in a more concrete level in a sponsorship role, they should really seize the opportunity. The way you are treated and catered for at these NRL clubs is just incredible.
"They really value the corporate sponsors. Clubs acknowledge the role of sponsors and the importance of corporate sponsors, but you don’t need to be a large sponsor. For example, with the Wests Tigers we have the Foundation which we encourage Members to join for a relatively small sum of money. You can actually become part of the Foundation that exists in the funding of the club and a lot of their programs.
"If you’re interested in doing a bit more than just being a fan or a Member, contact your club and ask what is available. It’s a very rewarding experience.”
Hagipantelis spoke ahead of the 2020 season and what he is most looking forward too – stating that a minimum finish he is looking for would be top eight.
“I regard [the club] as a glamour club and we are transitioning there’s no doubt about that," he enthused. "With the acquisition of Michael Maguire, it elevates us to a whole new level. The board is now stable [and] a lot of issues in regard to the salary cap have been largely resolved.
"This club is really ready to move into a whole new dimension as far as success is concerned and the timing for me couldn’t have been any better.
“The club is very well served with Justin Pascoe and Adam Hartigan, in the roles of CEO and Football Manager respectively. I will be involved to the extent that I need to be involved in that the board and administration wants me involved but I anticipate it will be relatively hands on."
Listen to the full interview with Chair Lee Hagipantelis in the player below!
