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'I regret it all': Ex-Tigers chairman's stunning confession
SEN • June 24th, 2025 10:42 am
Former chairman of the Wests Tigers Lee Hagipantelis has made the sensational confession that he wishes he never took the role.
Hagipantelis, who served as Wests Tigers chair from 2019-2023, joined Andrew Voss and Greg Alexander on SEN 1170 Breakfast during which he gave a brutal behind the scenes account of the reality of clubland.
“I was asked a little while ago if I missed being the chairman,” he said.
“My response was ‘not only do I not miss being chairman I regret taking on the role.’
“It was a mistake; there is no upside to the role. You have no real authority or power to effect change.
“You sit on a board of eight people and the real power is the owners. You are the figure head, so you cop the hits and defend positions you don’t necessarily agree with.
In a stunning spray to those in similar positions, Hagipantelis took aim at the levels of self-interest in rugby league and questioned what the point of having a chairperson is.
“Nothing could have made me happier to come out and tell the real story about what goes on,” he said. “But you can’t, you maintain the inner sanctum restraint.
“I didn’t even have a binding vote, I couldn’t carry any more weight than anyone else, it’s an honorary role. You can effect no change. So what’s the point of it?
“In the confines of a board environment in rugby league there is so much self-interest, it was mistake taking on the role.
“There was no upside for me just downside.”
Since departing in 2023, Hagipantelis believes somethings at the club have improved but the unnecessary legacy remains in place.
“I think there has been some improvement, there has been change,” he continued. “There are some that are still there from the merger in 1999, they need to move on.
“They need fresh people and fresh ideas and adapt to a new reality.
“The tensions between Western Magpies and Balmain Tigers continue to this day. The stories I could tell you.”
The Tigers currently sit 14th on the NRL ladder and are 5-9 for the season - they play Manly this Friday.
