NRL could strip licence from Wests Tigers’ owners after fresh board ructions

The NRL may consider intervening and potentially stripping Wests Tigers' licence from majority owner Holman Barnes Group following fresh board turmoil. HBG chief executive Daniel Paton was stood down pending an investigation following an emergency board meeting on Wednesday night. Chairman Dennis Burgess arrived with a lawyer and informed directors that undisclosed allegations had been made against Paton, prompting two board members to abstain from the vote.

HBG owns a 90 per cent stake in the Tigers and controls the joint-venture's board. Ongoing internal dysfunction and tension over HBG's financial investments in soccer clubs, including the Central Coast Mariners and APIA Leichhardt FC, have intensified pressure on the organisation. Former director Tony Andreacchio has also initiated legal action against the group in the NSW Supreme Court.