15 years ago Wests Tigers were a club built on the identity of two foundation clubs - Balmain and Western Suburbs. Two clubs with storied, proud histories came together and were officially born when the Tigers and Magpies came together as Wests Tigers and took to the field in 2000 against the Brisbane Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium. This weekend they'll get to celebrate that moment's 15th anniversary and do it all again.
Back in 2000 and indeed the first 4 years, the club was built on the identity of both Wests and Balmain. All the key components of the club, from the juniors who stood in first grade, club officials and of course fans, they all came together under the banner that was the product of both foundation clubs.
In 2005 though things changed. Wests Tigers won the premiership and began to forge their own identity. The club now had something it could brand as their own. Not the product of Wests or Balmain. Instead this was the product of Wests Tigers. In the ensuing years the club has failed to grasp that new identity. In part because of mismanagement at club level but also in part due to unwillingness of fans to fully open themselves to what is Wests Tigers.
The club has spent years bickering with itself. Struggles over perceived favourtism towards the Balmain half of the joint have gone on for nearly the entire 15 years. There is still a perception that decisions made by Wests Tigers need to be made in the best interests of the two foundations clubs. Only this year, with the help of the NRL has progress been made on the bickering. An independent board created with the NRL's help will go along way to ending this once and for all.
As a supporter though, i often look at it and wonder why in the world are we still bickering for the sake of something that's not even our main priority?? 15 years ago both clubs made a decision to forge a new path and a new identity. 15 years later and it HAS to be our priority and all decisions made NEED to be in the best interests of Wests Tigers.
From a footballing perspective i think the club went in a new direction when Tim Sheens came to the club back in 2003. With little money it appeared the best option for the club was to focus on itself. The partnership with Keebra Park High School was put in the spotlight by Benji Marshall's arrival and probably gave the club the belief that developing their own players was the way to go.
It has taken time but the past 4-5 years have provided massive results in terms of development.. You only have to look at the 2014 NRL squad for the proof. 21 of 35 players listed in the NRL squad (via WT's official webpage) have come through the full junior development system. There's even more who now ply their trade with other NRL clubs. Something is definitely working!
Wests Tigers were NYC champions in 2012. Balmain won consecutive SG Ball titles in 2012-13. Wests were also minor premiers in the league in 2011. Something is definitely working for the club and its junior development. This is in my eyes the clubs identity. We are a development club which provides an effective pathway into NRL football.
This identity is what needs to be grasped. It's something to be proud of! Back in 2000 the club had no identity. It was a roster put together from other clubs and a supply of former players from Balmain and Wests. The first 3 seasons were average to pathetic. If we look at the club today an identity does exist. The younger fans get this too. They only know Wests Tigers and they think of names like Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah. Soon it will be Luke Brooks and Curtis Sironen.
Whilst i'll always respect our past, it's as much about embracing our future and right now our future looks real exciting. As we reflect on what has come before us this past 15 years, i hope we'll all look ahead to what the next 15 years can be like if we embrace this club once and for all and support it for what it is.
This friends is a call to arms!
#SupportYourClub
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