The Wests Tigers join venture could be headed for a split amid reports the Balmain faction of the club are exploring a merger with NRL expansion bid team South Island Kea.
WWOS’ The Mole reported the Kiwi South Island Kea franchise have opened secret talks with Balmain in a bid to strengthen their chances of becoming the NRL’s 19th team.
It comes after revelations of a divide between the Wests and Balmain factions of the Wests Tigers’ joint venture, which could lead to the two parties splitting.
Kea representatives reportedly reached out to their Balmain counterparts last week to explore a potential partnership.
The Christchurch-based Kea bid aims to become the 19th NRL team and believes collaborating with Balmain, a foundation club established in 1908, could strengthen their chances.
This partnership would see the Western Suburbs Magpies re-emerge as a standalone club in the NRL, subject to approval from rugby league headquarters—a move that several influential board members at Concord have been advocating.
Recent reports of leaked texts and emails show the animosity between the Wests and Balmain factions of the club and the massive divide could make their future as a joint venture untenable.
Still, many senior Balmain officials want to remain in the merger with Wests, but that is seeming more unlikely by the day.
Should the Wests Tigers fall apart, the Balmain club will consider joining up with the Kea as it appears their only way of staying in the NRL.
The proposed Kea-Balmain joint venture would involve splitting home games between Christchurch’s stadium and Balmain’s iconic Leichhardt Oval.
Although NRL officials rejected the Kea bid several months ago, choosing Papua New Guinea as the 18th team, the Western Bears are also competing to secure the 19th spot.
The South Island Kea are adopting a strategy similar to the Bears, who partnered with North Sydney, by seeking an alliance with Balmain.
Partnering with Balmain could enhance the Kea’s chances of joining the NRL, leveraging the foundation club’s storied history, loyal fan base, and established brand value.
Since 1999, the Wests Tigers have operated as a joint venture, achieving their first premiership in 2005 with current coach Benji Marshall as part of the team.
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