Who knew tigers could do backflips?
Following crisis meetings between the NRL and the Holman Barnes Group, there are reports Wests Tigers are seeking to reinstate chairman Barry O’Farrell who was sacked along with three other independent directors on December 1.
The shock development comes as the club also seeks to urgently extend the contract of head coach Benji Marshall by two years in an apparent attempt to stem the bleeding at the joint venture club which also saw the highly respected administrator Shane Richardson quit as CEO on Monday.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald former NSW premier O’Farrell is aware of the NRL’s drive for his reappointment at the club and is considering the role.
MORE: Wests Tigers ‘coup’ puts club on brink of civil war—public rally called for December 13
In the aftermath of his shock sacking, O’Farrell declared his desire to continue helping the club.
“Thanks Wests Tigers fans for the messages and support. What we all want is success on the field and that should remain the priority. I will continue to do anything I can to help achieve that goal,” he posted on X.
A decision from O’Farrell is expected as early as Thursday, ahead of a public rally on Saturday where furious Wests Tigers fans are set to call for the resignation of the HBG board.
There had previously been speculation that Balmain club legend Ben Elias could be handed the role as club chairman.
It’s understood the vacant Wests Tigers board positions will be filled at a meeting of directors on December 15.