The Wests Tigers have officially cleaned out the top of the football department, parting ways with all but one board member as a part of an external review.
After two consecutive seasons at the bottom of the NRL ladder and a 12-year finals drought, the dominoes have finally fallen in the shape of Chairman Lee Hagipantelis and CEO Justin Pascoe.
The pair have been widely criticised during their tenure running the merger club and have finally given the fans their wish.
Now the question remains, what happens next for the Wests Tigers and who are the people to lead them out of these turbulent times?
The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis revealed the latest from inside the club, stating the writing may have been on the wall for the board when the external review was called.
“It’s something that’s probably been brewing for the last couple of weeks since they implemented this independent review,” Carayannis told SEN 1170 The Run Home.
“The Wests Tigers fans have wanted change, they demanded change, we’ll see if this is the right step forward.
“A person like Lee… (he) has been dedicated, he’s been loyal, he’s been working really hard to try and turn the Tigers’ fortunes around, I’m assuming he’ll be shattered at the moment.”
“Shane Richardson will come in on a short-term deal, it’s my understanding, with the potential for Richardson to stay as Chief Executive long-term.
“Whether he does that or not, I’m not sure, he’s an experienced guy.”
Carayannis also opened up on the future of Benji Marshall, who was recently appointed as the club’s head coach despite having very limited experience in the role.
“It’s going to be a tough ask to coach this side as is, trying to get them off the bottom of the premiership ladder,” Carayannis added.
“One thing he doesn’t need is continual distraction, the only saving grace is that it’s happened in December, so what they need is to make sure their house is in order well before kick-off (in 2024).
“Because Benji Marshall is going to need all the support he can to try and turn this club around.
“In terms of Benji Marshall’s future, that’s not in peril, the club has invested heavily in Benji, he’ll be their coach at least in the short term, he needs some support there and that’s probably what hasn’t been afforded some people at the Wests Tigers of late.”
The Tigers are expected to formalise the board movements at a meeting on Wednesday night.