“Wests Tigers wishes to correct a number of erroneous and defamatory assertions made by a section of the media concerning our Club’s 2023 Commemorative Jersey.
The Club has, and continues, to acknowledge the error that was made in the selection of the stock image which was used in the original Jersey design.
Following identification of this error, Wests Tigers made the decision to withdraw the Jersey, out of respect for ANZAC Day, its traditions and what it signifies for all Australians.
On the evening of Tuesday, 4 April 2023, a statement was issued by Wests Tigers, in which an apology was proffered for any offence that the image as selected on the Jersey, may have caused. The statement included the following:
“The Commemorative Jersey to be worn by our players (for our ANZAC Round match) has been criticised because an image on the jersey does not accurately depict Australian or New Zealand troops. As a Club, Wests Tigers is deeply sorry if the use of this image has in any way offended anyone. This was never our intention, and we are taking steps to rectify this. We have taken on board feedback from our members and fans, and we will be redesigning our 2023 Commemorative Jersey, immediately”.
Subsequently, there have been assertions in the media that Wests Tigers had alleged that it sought approval from the Australian Defence Force for the 2023 Commemorative Jersey design. This is simply not true. The Club never sought approval from the Australian Defence Force for the 2023 Commemorative Jersey, nor has the Club asserted that it did so.
The Statement referred to above also provided:
“We have collaborated with Holsworthy Army Barracks, who have sighted and approved all collateral relating to the release of this jersey”.
It is of course important to note that Holsworthy Army Barracks does in fact form part of the Australian Defence Force. Additionally, we understand Holsworthy Army Barracks, as part of its internal process, referred and obtained approval from Defence Force Media regarding images of the jersey to be used.
Again, we thank Holsworthy for partnering with the Club as part of our ANZAC Round commemorations.
We can also confirm that email communications as between Wests Tigers and Holsworthy Army Barracks confirms the contents of the statement issued on 4 April 2023 so far as the collaboration that occurred as between the Club and Holsworthy Army Barracks concerning collateral relating to the release of the jersey.
Contrary to the reporting in some sections of the media on Wednesday night, the Club never stated that it obtained the approval of the jersey design from the Australian Defence Force. Therefore, to suggest that our Club has “lied” to its members and supporters is grossly insulting and offensive. It goes against all that Wests Tigers stands for as a Club.
It is important that our members and supporters know the truth surrounding these events as opposed to the erroneous reporting by some journalists. We, as a proud Club, will readily admit our failing when a mistake has been made, as we have done. However, to call into question our integrity is something that we will not accept.
There has also been a suggestion in that section of the media that Wests Tigers “renamed” the jersey, from an ANZAC Jersey to a Commemorative Jersey, as a public relations ploy. Again, this is a fabrication. Due to licensing issues, it is a directive of the NRL that clubs do not use the term “ANZAC Jersey”. For that reason, and for that reason alone, the jersey is described as a Commemorative Jersey, not an ANZAC Jersey.
It is also a requirement to have the jersey design approved by the NRL, which of course is something that the Club abided with.
Wests Tigers continues to wholeheartedly support all initiatives around ANZAC Round, a hugely significant and important commemoration in Australia and New Zealand.
We have, and will always, honour and respect all service men and women who have, and continue to serve, in this country and in New Zealand. Suggestion that Wests Tigers has or in any way would demean, diminish, or disrespect ANZAC Day, ANZAC Round, its traditions and their significance, is grossly offensive. As stipulated, and out of the respect to our servicemen and women, and their families, to rectify an inadvertent error on the jersey, our 2023 Commemorative Jersey has been redesigned to capture the ANZAC spirit more accurately.
Our team will proudly wear the redesigned 2023 Commemorative Jersey against Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles on Sunday, 23 April 2023 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium”.
