LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson is currently under investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit following a whistleblower's tip-off.
Richardson, known as one of the top administrators in the sport, has had a challenging week as rumors emerge regarding his potential departure from the CEO position. He previously held significant roles with the South Sydney Rabbitohs before joining the Tigers.
As Richardson begins overseeing the Tigers' restructuring efforts, the club's owners, the Holman-Barnes group, recently dismissed the independent board along with chairman Barry O'Farrell, expressing concerns about their lack of control over the club, of which they own 90 percent.
Challenges continue for the Tigers, with reports from The Sydney Morning Herald indicating that Richardson is under scrutiny, potentially leading to a formal investigation.
Sources have indicated that questions have been raised concerning Richardson's management of the club's finances, particularly regarding payments made to a company he co-owns with his son, Brent. While Richardson has reportedly disclosed the conflict of interest, new issues have surfaced about the substantial payments to Enrichd Group for marketing and consultancy services.
The NRL Integrity Unit is reportedly already conducting interviews, with indications that two of Richardson's family members are employed by the club as well.