Whole article from CP please...
No need to click on the link.
Bulldogs' Bite: Legend Ben Elias says Wests Tigers split down middle
DRAMAS at the Wests Tigers aren't just consigned to the club's football side. In this expansive interview, Ben Elias - a former Tigers director and Balmain legend - has revealed there is "animosity and conflict" between the joint-venture factions at board level.
Elias also accused the Western Suburbs faction of leaking boardroom information, and he denied any behind-the-scenes involvement in the sacking of coach Tim Sheens last year.
Bulldog: You are on the inside at Wests Tigers, the joint venture. Has it worked?
Elias: We won a premiership in 2005 and success is defined by the scoreboard. We have been in the semi-finals many times. I would have to say yes, I suppose.
Bulldog: That's hardly a convincing answer.
Elias: No, it's not convincing, far from it. I equally say St George Illawarra hasn't been convincing.
Bulldog: Do the two clubs, Balmain and Wests, get on at board level?
Elias: No.
Bulldog: Why not?
Elias: There are massive conflicts. I don't know the specifics that go on in the boardroom but you can see by the comments made publicly there is no unity. There is a lot of animosity among the two parties. We need an independent chairman.
Bulldog: That has to be unhealthy, Benny?
Elias: I have always said you need a healthy side off the field, as you do on the field. We have managed so far to be quite resilient. Unfortunately, this year we seem to be really struggling on the field.
Bulldog: Leaked information from the boardroom emerged in the media recently. Did that disturb you?
Elias: It was very disappointing as an ex-player, an ex-director and a current supporter of Wests Tigers. Information was leaked to the media. That stuff should stay in the boardroom. There are only a few select people who would have been given that precise information and I can assure you (the leaks) wouldn't have come from the Balmain side of the board. They (Wests) shouldn't forget Balmain carried them financially for the joint venture's first few years. We are in this together.
Bulldog: Do the Wests' side of the joint venture have more money than Balmain?
Elias: I don't know the answer to that.
Bulldog: Are the Tigers' finances in a concerning state?
Elias: I believe they are financially sound. If they are signing players like Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah long term then they must be alright.
Bulldog: Do you want Balmain back?
Elias: I would love to see Balmain back. Absolutely.
Bulldog: Did you think Tim Sheens' dismissal last year was fair?
Elias: It was time to go for Tim. It really was. You can't knock Tim Sheens' record. He has done everything in the game but he was at the club for too long. The impact had gone and they had to get someone new. I think Tim knew it was time.
Bulldog: A prickly question, Benny. Did you have any involvement in Sheens' demise?
Elias: No.
Bulldog: Mick Potter took over. You have a horrendous injury toll but the team is running last.
Elias: We have a massive amount of injuries. We don't know what Mick can do. I know he is doing his best.
Bulldog: Benji Marshall. There are reports he may soon sign a new $4 million deal. Is he worth it?
Elias: Benji Marshall is without doubt one of the superstars of the NRL. Yes, he is worth the money.
***
BENNY Elias captained NSW in 1990 and 1991. He is an Origin legend. Today he has called for the inclusion of South Sydney's John Sutton as NSW five-eighth.
Bulldog: What do we have to do to win this year's series?
Elias: We have to do something different. Laurie Daley says he had his side picked two weeks ago. Let's start training now then. At least get the players together and start getting their heads right.
Bulldog: Announce it now then?
Elias: Why not? Let's not have any secrets. I would do something out of the ordinary.
Bulldog: OK then, what would you do?
Elias: I have been most impressed with John Sutton. I like Todd Carney too and he has a relationship with Mitchell Pearce. But we have been beaten. We have to keep changing things until we get it right. I'd go for Sutton. We have a new coach with new ideas. I think we have to have a new approach. There is a whisker between the two teams when you talk talent. All their good players are playing well though ... that is a concern.
Bulldog: ASADA wants players to dob in teammates. Would you have ever done that to "Blocker" Roach or "Junior" Pearce?
Elias: No, never. At Balmain we had this look-after-your-mates mentality at all costs. That's why we were so close.
Bulldog: Where do you see your future?
Elias: I believe I can offer something in administration at the highest level. I also think we should give (NRL CEO) Dave Smith time to develop the extraordinary skills he has brought from the business world.
Bulldog: Expansion. You are involved in a Perth bid. Where should the game head?
Elias: We have to expand sooner rather than later. I think central Queensland in Rockhampton and Perth are two morals. I can assure you Perth wants rugby league.
