LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a bold move reminiscent of a last-minute Hail Mary pass, Balmain, one half of the Wests Tigers joint venture, is reportedly planning to break away and reclaim its status as a standalone NRL club.
According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, Balmain directors are gearing up for a showdown to sever ties with Western Suburbs due to mounting frustrations with decisions made by the Holman Barnes Group (HBG) - the majority owner of the Wests Tigers.
Garry Leo, a director at Balmain, is leading the charge for a split, risking the very existence of the Wests Tigers, a team that has been a stalwart in the NRL for the past 25 years.
"I really believe the time has come for us to step aside and resurrect the Balmain Tigers," Leo declared.
With a fan base as strong as a front row forward, Balmain is ready to tackle the challenge of going solo once again, citing a lack of confidence in their current partnership with Western Suburbs.
As the club considers this game-changing move, the future of the Wests Tigers hangs in the balance like a high ball waiting to be caught.