A stunning backflip will reportedly see sacked Wests Tigers chairman Barry O’Farrell return to the club, just nine days after being axed along with three others.
It comes as owners the Holman Barnes Group (HBG) attempt to extinguish the flames around the joint venture club by also offering coach Benji Marshall a long-term contract extension.
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The Nine papers reported the Tigers are set to extend Marshall until the end of 2029, while elevating Shaun Mielekamp as interim chief executive up from the role of general manager of football.
The decision follows Tigers CEO Shane Richardson quitting believing he can no longer work with the majority owners.
“Club officials are deep in negotiations with Marshall and his management. While a contract has not yet been signed, all parties are hopeful of finalising an extension shortly,” the report states.
But even more shocking is the looming return of former NSW premier O’Farrell.
He and fellow independent directors Annabelle Williams, Charlie Viola and Michelle McDowell were removed earlier this month as HBG complained of being “left in the dark” on a serious of decisions including the 2026 jersey colour and the club’s stadiums policy.
But O’Farrell has now been asked to return in his prior role as chairman with the NRL reportedly concerned with HBG’s actions.
Conversations between the NRL and HBG have triggered the talks with O’Farrell, who is said to be considering the offer.
Balmain great Benny Elias had been floated as the club’s next chairman earlier on Wednesday.
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Meanwhile extending coach Marshall would helm calm discontent within the playing group.
The league great led the Tigers to the wooden spoon in his first year as coach before they finished 13th in 2025, attracting talent to play under him such as Jarome Luai.
Seven players have reportedly threatened to quit if Marshall left the club.
“We play for Benji, he’s our head coach,” Tigers utility Adam Doueihi said on Wednesday.
“He steers the ship every day so we follow his lead. Benji’s been good to me.
“I’ve been under him for a few years now and he’s really grown every week.
“He’s really started to grow into a really solid head coach. I’m starting to learn a lot under him. He’s learned a lot from the past few years working under Sheensy.”
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