As a result of the suspension of the 2020 Telstra Premiership season, Wests Tigers have today made the difficult decision to stand down the majority of its football and administrative staff.
This decision was not made lightly and will take place effective immediately for an indefinite period of time while the club operates with a skeleton staff in place to ensure the critical areas of the business remain functional and productive.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said the decision was an extremely difficult one to make but one that was done to ensure the sustained future of Wests Tigers.
“These past few weeks have been some of the most challenging we have experienced as a club, and indeed as individuals too,” Pascoe said.
“There are countless people around the world who have been directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19, and we know that there are many who are dealing with consequences far worse than our situation as a football club.
"First and foremost, we would like to send our best wishes to those affected by COVID-19 and let them know that we are thinking of them in this challenging time.
“As a club, we have today made the tough decision to stand down the majority of our staff — good people who have worked tirelessly to ensure Wests Tigers is what it is today — and that is not an easy decision to make.
"I have nothing but praise for the professionalism and excellence shown by the football and administrative staff alike throughout this process and it is our utmost desire to return people to their roles as soon as it is possible.
“As tough as these decisions are, they are done to ensure that Wests Tigers remains intact and can come out the other side of this crisis stronger for it.
“We know that our stakeholders, corporate partners, Members and fans remain the absolute lifeblood of Wests Tigers and we are again thankful for the continued support and commitment shown to the club at this time. We know our community, our nation and our world are hurting right now on a scale much bigger than football, but we are firmly committed to ensuring this club will be back and you back alongside us again.”
Wests Tigers will continue to await direction from the NRL and Government in regard to the return of the 2020 season and will continue to update all involved with the club when more comes to hand.
Wests Tigers phone communications will remain open to voicemail messages, while official email communications will also remain in place.
The club again thanks for your patience and understanding throughout this time.
