Disgruntled Wests Tigers fans are preparing to stage a major protest this Saturday December 13th, as frustration over the club’s governance and recent controversy reaches breaking point.
The rally, organised by supporters alongside Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, will take place on Saturday, December 13 at Pratten Park, the historic former home ground of the Wests Magpies.
Fans will then march to Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, where they will call for the immediate resignation of the Holman Barnes Group board.
The protest was sparked by the extraordinary sacking of all independent directors from the Wests Tigers board, a move that has angered fans and raised serious concerns about the club’s stability.
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Long-time football administrator Shane Richardson’s departure this week has only added fuel to the fire for loyal Tigers fans.
Mayor Byrne said the decision created a crisis that required intervention from both the NRL and Liquor and Gaming NSW, warning that removing independent oversight placed the future of the club in jeopardy.
"It's as clear as day that allowing the Holman Barnes Group to eliminate independent directors from the Wests Tigers board could mean the death of our famous rugby league club," Byrne said.
He said the same people who oversaw “fifteen years of failure, and three wooden spoons” had now “launched a coup to take back total control,” leaving the club in a dire position.
"At this rally, fans and members will call on Peter V'landys and the NRL, as well as Liquor and Gaming NSW, to intervene and fix the shambolic governance of Wests Tigers once and for all," Byrne explained.
Long-time fan Daniel, who has been helping galvanise support for the rally, said the latest developments proved why supporters felt compelled to act.
“The Holman Barnes Group has once again dragged us backwards, showing they are incapable of running this club responsibly,” Daniel said.
He said fans had reached the point where they felt they had no choice but to make their voices heard, stressing the importance of standing together on Saturday to send a clear message.
“I’m attending this rally because the Wests Tigers belong to the fans, not to custodians who repeatedly fail us. We will stand up and fight for the club we love,” Daniel said.
Saturday’s march is expected to draw a significant crowd as supporters unite in the hope of forcing meaningful change within the organisation.
The protest reflects one of the most unified displays of unrest in recent years as Wests Tigers fans continue to push for stability, transparency and consistency at their club.
The Tigers fans have had reason for optimism in recent seasons, with a much improved showing in 2025 and continued positive recruitment strides giving hope of a return to finals football in 2026.
Despite the positive improvement and renewed hope, including news of popular head coach and club legend Benji Marshall re-signing on a huge deal through to 2030, there is clearly still a long way to go.
Tigers fans have endured difficult times since their famous 2005 premiership triumph, and there is little doubt they deserve better than what the club has delivered in recent weeks.