The Tigers have unveiled a strategic plan aimed at leaving their past behind and charting a path to future success, with a renewed focus on their rugby league heartland in southwest Sydney.
Titled ‘Roaring Ahead,’ the two-year plan aims to establish the Tigers as the NRL’s premier pathway club in Sydney. The initiative follows consecutive victories over the Sharks and Eels under the guidance of rookie coach Benji Marshall, with emerging talents Jahream Bula and Lachie Galvin making significant contributions.
Acknowledging past oversights, the plan emphasizes the need to prioritize the growth and development of the south west corridor while maintaining the club’s inner-city roots.
“This is a pivotal moment in the club’s history,” the plan states. “We recognize the importance of swiftly strategizing our approach to the south west’s growth without neglecting our existing foundations.”
The Tigers plan to establish a presence in Campbelltown, with former players John Skandalis and Shannon Gallant spearheading efforts to engage with the south west community and foster grassroots rugby league initiatives.
The club also acknowledged its past neglect of the Campbelltown area, expressing a commitment to repairing relationships and enhancing pathways and programs in the region.
With 9,285 registered junior players currently, the Tigers aim to surpass the 10,000 mark by the end of 2025, potentially overtaking the Panthers’ figures in junior participation.
Tigers executives have set ambitious goals for the club, aiming to establish themselves as a top-four contender in both the NRL and NRLW competitions. Despite finishing with the wooden spoon in the last two NRL seasons and missing out on finals since 2011, the club remains steadfast in its aspirations.
“We believe we belong among the top four clubs in the game, and our efforts are geared towards achieving that,” remarked chief executive Shane Richardson to the SMH. “While we’re currently at the bottom, both on the field and commercially, we aspire to greater heights.”
Richardson emphasized a commitment to continuous improvement, noting, “Regardless of our current position, our aim is steady progress. We anticipate finishing higher each year, building on our performance and capabilities.”
Addressing concerns about their home grounds, currently split between Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Oval, the Tigers face the prospect of both venues being deemed unfit for NRL matches. The club has appealed to the NSW government for funding to renovate Leichhardt Oval, while plans for a three-year stadium strategy are reportedly underway in collaboration with relevant authorities to determine suitable venues for future games.
