LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
'How disappointing is that': Tigers icons Steve Roach and Benny Elias have shockingly revealed that they have never been invited as special guests to an NRL game by club officials.
According to news.com.au, Roach and Elias, who are both legends of the game, will instead be attending the Tigers' Easter Monday clash against the Eels at CommBank Stadium after being extended an invitation by Parramatta officials.
This revelation has sparked controversy, especially as it comes at a time when the future of the Tigers' spiritual home, Leichhardt Oval, is uncertain due to the facilities not meeting NRL standards.
Roach and Elias, who between them have a combined total of 420 games for the Balmain Tigers before the merger with the Western Suburbs Magpies in 1999, are disappointed that despite their years of service and representing their state and country, they have not been welcomed back to the club as honored guests.
It's a tough situation for these two Rugby League legends, who have spilled blood, sweat, and tears for the Tigers over the years, only to feel snubbed by the very club they helped build.
But as they say, the game is never over until the final whistle blows, and perhaps this snub will fuel their desire to support the Tigers even more passionately in the future.