Richardson: Strong foundations set for Wests Tigers future
Wests Tigers CEO, Shane Richardson has declared the Club is in its strongest position in years, outlining major progress across governance, finances, pathways, and football in the latest episode of Behind the Roar.
Richardson joined the Club’s official podcast to provide Members and fans with a detailed update on the past 18 months as well as the road ahead.
Stability and governance
Richardson said the Club has now implemented every recommendation from the independent Crawford-Barnier report, a landmark review into the Wests Tigers operations.
“The first thing to understand is that we have met all the recommendations in the Crawford-Barnier report. It’s all been completed,” Richardson said.
“We have a new independent board, Strategic Plan set across all departments, and a Club Strategic Plan locked in through to the end of 2028.
“From a governance point of view, we have never been in a stronger position.”
He said this new structure has provided stability and true corporate governance, essential foundations for long-term success.
Financial turnaround
Richardson revealed that the Club has completely turned around its financial position.
“We’ve gone from probably losing five and a half million dollars over the last two years to making a profit this year,” he explained.
“We’ve paid off all debt. We don’t have any debt as a club, which is huge.
“We’ve got money in the bank and cash flowing through, which is not something we’ve usually been in a position at this stage of the year.”
Membership and sponsorship revenue have both surged, increasing by 40% and 30% respectively.
Richardson said the Club has also invested heavily in its community programs (over $1 million) while still remaining profitable.
Locking in home grounds
Following the recent stadium strategy announcement, Richardson reiterated the importance of securing upgrades for Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium, backed by $110 million in funding.
“If we didn’t come up with the upgrade in those stadiums, we would’ve had to have played all the games out of Venues NSW, which wouldn’t have helped Leichhardt and certainly wouldn’t have helped Campbelltown,” Richardson said.
“This is probably something that not a lot of people thought we would get, but we’re very proud as a Club that we’ve got that in place.
“It’s a huge step forward for us.”
Richardson said the goal is to create boutique stadiums with sellout crowds and strong corporate facilities at both venues.
Community and South West growth
Richardson also highlighted the Club’s deepening ties to South Western Sydney and the Inner West through the Empower program and other community initiatives.
“We’ve had 26 high schools hosting Empower programs, and our Club Ambassador Program; we’re at all the 30 junior clubs in the West,” Richardson said.
“We’ve walked the walk out there. We’re embedded now.”
He pointed to the South West’s rapid growth around the new airport as a major opportunity for the Club, with a goal of increasing junior participation to 13,000 players within three years.
Strengthening NRLW program
Richardson confirmed further investment in the club’s NRLW program, including the appointment of experienced coach, Craig Sandercock and the creation of a Head of Women’s Football role, filled by Charmain Steventon.
“Craig's had a lot of experience coaching football at the highest level. He's a guy who's about setting up systems and quality,” he said.
“Charmain’s a really strong character, really strong person… I think she’s going to be a fantastic Head of Women’s Football.
“We’ve poured another quarter of a million dollars into the program. We’re really keen to make that a successful operation.”
Roster stability and pathways
On the NRL front, Richardson emphasised the progress made in rebuilding the squad.
“Every fan and Member out there knows that we were a mess,” he said.
“To clean that mess up in the time that we’ve done it… it’s quite phenomenal.
“Now we’ve got a squad of 36 players, virtually locked in for the next two years.”
He said this roster stability, with leaders like Jarome Luai, Api Koroisau, Alex Twal and the Fainu brothers, and the emergence of juniors such as Heamasi Makasini, puts the Club in a position to challenge for finals.
Richardson also praised the work being done in Pathways, with the addition of respected figures like Pat Richards and Roy Asotasi into coaching roles.
A message to Members and fans
Richardson finished by acknowledging the support of Wests Tigers Members during a challenging period.
“It’s been tough for all of us over the last 20 months,” he said.
“But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Without you, we can’t survive. Without you sticking with us, we will never be the great club we should be.”
