A fired-up Shane Richardson has strongly criticized the NRL’s broadcast partner, Fox Sports, alleging that their coverage of the Wests Tigers is filled with “lies and innuendo.”
Speaking at a members’ function before Saturday’s 18-10 victory over Gold Coast at Leichhardt Oval, the Tigers CEO launched an aggressive rebuttal.
In a five-minute speech, Richardson hinted that teenage five-eighth Lachlan Galvin was being manipulated by his manager to leave the club. However, his harshest criticism was reserved for Fox Sports’ NRL360 program and its sister newspapers for their negative coverage of the Tigers.
“Nobody is going to knock us off course because of nine losses or the nonsense in the paper,” Richardson declared. “Or the rubbish on 360. Nothing will change our plans to make this club great again.
“When 360 decides how to run your club, how you recruit, or when the (Daily) Telegraph dictates your club’s direction, that’s why we’ve won two wooden spoons in a row.”
Richardson was particularly scathing of NRL360 for its criticism of Danny Stapleton, a Tigers director who chairs the club’s recruitment committee.
In recent weeks, Richardson has been working to reshape the club’s roster by offloading players to rival NRL clubs and Super League teams.
“I’ve come from the bottom with South Sydney, Cronulla, Hull FC in England and here, but I’ve never seen the level of vitriol from Fox,” Richardson said. “It’s based on absolute lies and innuendo.
“What they did last week to Danny Stapleton was disgraceful, painting someone who can’t defend themselves in a terrible light.”
Richardson also addressed the controversy surrounding 18-year-old Galvin, who reaffirmed his commitment to the Tigers after his manager reportedly made multiple release requests.
Richardson stated he wanted the club’s firm stance on the young player to be a turning point.
“This club has been driven by the press and managers for too long—they decide your coach and recruiter—and that stopped this week,” Richardson said.
“Lachlan Galvin had no desire to leave this club; his parents are deeply rooted in Tigers’ culture. Once we got to the core of the issue, there was no doubt that Lachlan Galvin wants to play here.”
