Veteran NRL administrator Shane Richardson has resigned as Wests Tigers CEO despite having more than two years still to run on his contract.
Widely tipped over the weekend, Richardson’s departure comes less than a week after four independent directors on the Wests Tigers board—including former NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell—were removed by the club’s majority owners, the Holman Barnes Group (HBG).
Richardson released a statement on Monday afternoon confirming the end of his time at the joint venture club.
“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.
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“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,” he added.
“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.”
HBG chief executive Daniel Paton confirmed Richardson’s resignation had been accepted.
“We thank Shane for his service,” Paton said.
“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.”
Richardson initially joined the Tigers on an interim basis in December 2023 before signing a four-year deal in July 2024.
It is understood Wests Tigers general manager of football Shaun Mielekamp will take over from Richardson in an interim capacity.
All eyes now turn to the futures of star players Jarome Luai and Jahream Bula, both of whom could be at risk of leaving the Concord-based club as it yet again is forced to deal with administrative dysfunction.