Source :- THE AGE NEWS
When he first took over as chief executive at Wests Tigers last year, it was a job many described as one of the toughest in Australian sport.
A long period of underperformance on the field came with turmoil off it, trickling down from the ownership. But newly confirmed as full-time boss on Friday, after presiding over a period of relative stability, Shaun Mielekamp says that major Tigers stakeholders are now at last on the same page.
“I think it’s important to call out that if there was a war, the war is over,” he says. “And that’s been the most exciting part of the last six months: seeing everybody come together.
“One of the first things I did was call a meeting of all four boards [Wests Tigers, Western Suburbs Magpies, Balmain Tigers and Holman Barnes Group], where we all came together, and we all had dinner. And to my surprise, it was the first time in 26 years that those four boards had been in the one room.
“We’ve done it a couple of times since, and it’s now just a regular part of operations at West Tigers – is to bring all four boards together and act in unison, as one. And that’s been the most positive part about all of this, that there is a real alignment … across the entire club about where we’re headed.”
In a wide-ranging interview, the Tigers chief spoke of his vision for the team, the decision to go to Las Vegas, the chance to create rugby league’s biggest nursery, why Josh Schuster was handed a league lifeline and Israel Folau wasn’t, and the prospect of Manase Fainu – who is eligible for parole in October after being jailed for the stabbing of a Mormon youth leader at a church dance in 2019 – becoming the fourth member of his family to sign with the club.
Stadium strategy
Leichhardt Oval will be unavailable next year while it undergoes renovations, and Campbelltown Stadium will have its own refurbishment in 2028. The staggered timelines ensure both venues won’t be shut down for construction at the same time. This masthead recently revealed that all home games could be staged at Leichhardt in 2028 unless agreement is struck with CommBank Stadium.
But what happens when the upgrades are finished at both home grounds?
“We are in negotiations with all three stadiums,” Mielekamp says.
“We’ve committed to a minimum of seven games out of Campbelltown from 2029 onwards. We’ve committed to a minimum of three games at Leichhardt from 2028 onwards, but there could be more at both venues. And there is still a big appetite to make sure that we are a part of big games, which is what Vegas is about.”
Four Fainus?
The decision by co-captain Jarome Luai to sign with the PNG Chiefs midway through the season could have resulted in a mass exodus. Instead, key players Jahream Bula, Taylan May, Terrell May, Adam Doueihi, Sione Fainu, Sunia Turuva and Heamasi Makasini have all recommitted.
The next big retention target is Samuela Fainu, who becomes a free agent on November 1.
“He’s a priority for us,” Mielekamp says. “He’s part of the family, he’s bringing players to us, which is a great sign that he wants to be here.”
There are already three Fainus on the books – Samuela, Latu and Sione. Former Manly hooker Manase Fainu could be the fourth brother to join the club, possibly on a train-and-trial deal once he is released from prison.
Mielekamp confirms that he is open to the prospect if the NRL is prepared to register a contract.
“I’m not exactly sure what his journey looks like in reality, but one thing I know is he’s already part of our family by association,” he says.
“We’ll ensure we do the right thing when the opportunity comes up.”
Schuster lifeline
Former Manly playmaker Josh Schuster has already been handed a train-and-trial deal – just before the June 30 transfer deadline.
After making what Tigers coach Benji Marshall described as the best NRL debut he has seen, Schuster’s career has stalled at 50 games after failing to live up to his early promise.
However, the Tigers believe the 25-year-old still has something to offer at NRL level. “He’s got an opportunity, which everyone does here at the club,” Mielekamp says.
“His meeting with Benji was really crucial, and Samuela Fainu has played a part in that. If Josh shows on and off the field that he’s the real deal, I’m sure the doors will continue to open for him.”
Viva Las Vegas
Mielekamp’s predecessor, Shane Richardson, was adamant that the Tigers would not head to Vegas under his watch.
“Las Vegas was a f—ing disaster, and it was a party trip for everybody; I don’t want to go,” Richardson told The Australian Financial Review in 2024. “Those little Christmas cakes don’t make any difference to the game at all.”
However, the Tigers are now embracing the concept and will open the 2027 season against Melbourne at Allegiant Stadium.
“It’s about showing that the club is aspirational as to where we want to go,” Mielekamp says.
“We weren’t ready before, we’ve admitted that, but we are ready now … It’s important that we acknowledge the great work that Holman Barnes Group played in ensuring that we’ve got the financial capacity to go to Vegas with confidence.”
Pathway to success
Penrith Panthers’ junior nursery is considered the biggest and best in rugby league, but the Tigers believe they will soon have a pathway to surpass it.
“We have a club that stretches from Pyrmont to Picton,” Mielekamp says.
“We’ve got 15,000 registered participants in our catchment, and we’re growing at the fastest rate. We have the opportunity to be the best rugby league pathway in the world, and we’ll continue to drive through that as part of the strategy.”
Folau a no-go
The Tigers considered handing cross-code star Israel Folau a train-and-trial deal before the June 30 deadline. But given Folau’s age (37), potential registration hurdles and the likelihood of adverse publicity, the club felt the risk wasn’t worth the reward.
“Now that there’s clarity around me being CEO, there’s got to be more confidence to continue to make hard calls,” Mielekamp says.
“We will do what’s right for the club. When you compare it to the opportunity we gave Josh Schuster, I’ve got no qualms about standing up for the decisions we’ve made.”
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