Wests Tigers to wear black armbands in Round 1 clash

Wests Tigers players will wear black armbands in their Round 1 clash today against the Canberra Raiders in remembrance of two staunch supporters of Wests Tigers and its foundation clubs.

John Brennan OAM was a veteran broadcaster and life-long friend of Keith Barnes and many other Balmain identities synonymous with the Tigers' rich history.

'Brenno', as he was affectionally known, hosted the early television mid-week rugby league cups before progressing through to be an leading broadcast industry producer and mentor for names such as Rod Muir and Alan Jones.

Brennan passed away earlier this week aged 89.

Gary Johnston was also an iconic supporter of the club, with strong connections to Western Suburbs Magpies throughout his time as a sponsor.

Having started his own company Jaycar in the 1980's, Johnston's support of rugby league extended to sponsorship of the Canterbury Bulldogs while he also continued to assist the Magpies and then Wests Tigers at many functions and events.

Besides his business and rugby league interests, Gary was also the pioneer of the immensely successful charity motor vehicle "Big Bash" rallies across Australia. 

Johnston passed away earlier this week aged 71.

The thoughts of all at Wests Tigers are with John and Gary's friends and family at this time.