“You Either Do the Job or You Don’t”: Shane Richardson on Tigers, Souths and the State of the Game

Steve “Chimes” Gillis sits down with veteran rugby league administrator Shane Richardson for a frank, funny and often brutal look at four decades in the game. From rats in the office and barmaids “with no teeth” to signing Greg Inglis in a hotel café and turning around basket-case clubs, Richardson pulls few punches as he reflects on his time at Cronulla, Penrith, South Sydney and, most recently, Wests Tigers.​

Gardening Leave, Health and Leaving the Tigers

The last time Chimes and Richardson saw each other was at Concord on 8 December, the day Richardson fronted the media for the final time as Wests Tigers CEO. It was, as Gillis puts it, an “impassioned” farewell from someone who clearly loved the job but knew it was time to move on.​

Given 90 days’ notice, Richardson found himself on gardening leave for the first time in years — and, true to form, he threw himself into it.

“I’ve got a little garden on my veranda which I take care of. I’ve grown tomatoes and lettucees and truthfully and some really nice radishes.”​

He joked about becoming “a bit of a cooking entrepreneur” on Facebook, but says the real benefit was finally catching up on life admin. Health-wise, he’s honest about his challenges: type-2 diabetes and foot issues post a major operation.

“Healthwise above the ankle I’m going really well, but below the ankles, I’ve got a challenge with my feet… I get around everywhere and easily. I just don’t get around as quick as I used to.

"Not that I was ever quick.”​

Turning Around the Tigers and Backing Benji

Richardson’s stint began as a six-month consultancy before becoming a full rescue. He inherited salary cap chaos and too many kids in the top 30, forcing them to 'play against men before their time'. By the time he finished up, Richardson said he believed they’d turned the corner corporately and on-field.​

A week later, Benji Marshall was re-signed to 2030 — a deal Richardson backs strongly.

“There’s no one more committed to West Tigers than Benji. So whether it’s 2030 or 2040, there’s a commitment there from a coach’s point of view… he’s a very good coach ands he he loves the club.”​

On Jarome Luai’s escape clause, he defends it as pragmatic for a bottom-feeder.

“The reality is when you’re on the bottom of the table and you’re attracting a player like Lui, he’s putting an enormous amount of faith in administration… I had no qualms about saying to him that look sign on then after two years if you’re still not happy then we’ll look at an escape [clause].”​

He expects Luai and Jahream Bula to stay, with Sean Millard handling talks.​

Players, Agents and the Media: “Necessary Evil”

Richardson, with 32+ years’ experience, insists on player agents.

“They’re absolutely necessary in rugby league… clubs had complete cart blanch control over them and and ripped them off.”​

He said was once voted the toughest CEO to deal with — a badge he wears proudly.

“I don’t think I’m that difficult. I think I’m fair and reasonable… I just I don’t take crap and… my words my bond.”​

On media, he tolerates them if accurate.

“My qualm with with journalists has always been as long as you write what I said, I don’t mind. It’s when you start getting loose with it.”​

They can’t sink performers: “I’ve never been sacked ever. Still not… you do your job.”​

What Makes a Modern CEO – and Why Some Business Gurus Fail

Success demands board rapport, power awareness and top staff — no ego threats.

“I’ve never seen any person that I’ve had underneath me as a threat… We had over 50% of our staff female which at a football club’s not normal,” Richardson continued. ​

He’s scathing of corporate types lacking footy nous.

“The number of quality business people who come into rugby league… take their heads off and put this enormous pumpkin on… If you couldn’t run a business and make a profit, you’re a jerk.”​

Emotion and weekly judgement set it apart from business.​

From Rats and Receivership to Premierships

First impressions at Souths were grim.

“Rats running throughout the building… the barmaids in the leagues club, one had no teeth and the other one was a transvestite.”​

Cronulla wouldn’t exist without Super League: “No way in the world… Peter [Garda] lent the club a million dollars.”​

Penrith’s 2003 title hinged on Preston Campbell; Souths’ 2014 on Greg Inglis, signed mid-café chat en route to Brisbane: “Yep, I’m coming to South.”​

Super League, Expansion and the Future

Buy Super League, scrap promotion/relegation, franchise it — NRL should control initially.​

On PNG/Perth: “I’d just like to see the business plan.”​

Can the Tigers Win a Comp?

Yes, with youth, middles and stars aligning under Marshall.

“You’ve got to have really great young kids come through… then you got to have those middle people who do all the hard work… then you got to have the superstars.”​

“I wish the West Tigers all the best on and off the field… they deserve success.”​

Enjoying Fanatics' Clubhouse content? Subscribe to the Clubhouse Newsletter HERE.