Wests Tigers have given Shane Richardson the nod to continue presiding over their rebuild, signing the chief executive to a four-year deal.
After last December’s highly publicised boardroom clean-out, the long-time NRL strugglers installed former Penrith, Cronulla and South Sydney official Richardson to the CEO role on an interim basis.
The back-to-back wooden spooners have since shown on-field improvement, winning two of their first six games under rookie coach Benji Marshall after only four victories from 24 matches last season.
The emergence of rookie five-eighth Lachie Galvin has been a particular highlight.
After the Tigers’ previous struggles to attract top-tier talent, Richardson’s administration has overseen the signing of marquee recruits Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva, who will join the club from reigning premiers Penrith in 2025.
Richardson’s new four-year deal commences on July 2, with coach Marshall expected to address the contract extension in his press conference on Friday morning.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to assist this club win its second premiership, and I look forward to working with Benji and the team to achieve that goal,” Richardson said.
Interim chairman Barry O’Farrell, who also joined the club late last year, described Richardson’s permanent appointment as a “no-brainer”.
“No club can afford to let champions go, whether on the field or in the front office,” he said.
Source Agencies
