LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Rugby League legend Ben Elias couldn't hide his delight when news broke of the Wests Tigers' major shake-up, as he embraced the sweeping changes with open arms.
According to reports from news.com.au, the club, which has been struggling in recent years, made the bold move of sacking their entire board, a decision that Elias believes should have been made much earlier.
The dismantling of the board saw chief executive Justin Pascoe tender his resignation, while chairman Lee Hagipantelis also stepped down from his position.
Hagipantelis, who had been at the helm since 2019, will be replaced temporarily by former NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell and former South Sydney chief executive Shane Richardson.
The decision to clean house comes after an independent review into the club highlighted their poor performance, which includes two wooden spoons and a lack of finals footy since 2011.
While the legal approval for the changes is still pending, Elias sees this as a turning point for the club, both on and off the field.
However, the departure of Hagipantelis could potentially lead to the hunt for a new sponsor.
Unfazed by the delay in the scheduled board meeting, Elias expressed his excitement about the changes as he hailed the news as a momentous occasion for the club.