The National Rugby League's Integrity Unit has officially opened an investigation into Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson. This significant move follows detailed tip-offs from a whistleblower which raised serious questions about Richardson's conduct and the club's financial management.
Allegations Centre on Finances and Family Ties
The probe, confirmed on December 5, 2025, was triggered by information alleging serious concerns regarding Richardson and other senior staff at the Tigers. According to reports, the allegations specifically focus on the club's financial dealings under Richardson's leadership.
A primary area of scrutiny involves invoices paid to the Enrichd Group, a marketing, branding, and digital consultancy. Richardson partly owns this company with his son, Brent. While Richardson had previously disclosed this potential conflict of interest to the club's board, the whistleblower raised alarms about the amount of money being directed to the firm for its services.
Further complicating matters, the NRL integrity unit was informed that the Tigers have also employed up to two other members of Richardson's family. In a contentious related development, Richardson allegedly identified a former Tigers staff member as the whistleblower and used club funds to dispatch a legal threat to that individual.
Club Turmoil and Potential Payout Impact
This investigation erupts amidst major upheaval at the Wests Tigers. It comes as Richardson prepares to exit the club following the Holman Barnes Group's (HBG) decision on Monday to sack four independent directors, including chairman Barry O'Farrell.
The HBG, the club's parent company, is aware of the allegations against Richardson and is conducting its own parallel investigation. This internal probe could have direct financial consequences, potentially affecting Richardson's seven-figure termination pay-out.
"The Holman Barnes Group is aware of the NRL's interest in this matter and at this point in time we can not comment," stated HBG deputy chairman Francesco Primerano.
Legal Fallout and Silence from Key Figures
The former staff member who received the legal threat subsequently sought advice and representation from ex-Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis. Both Richardson and Hagipantelis have declined to comment when approached by media.
The NRL Integrity Unit has begun its formal process, which includes conducting interviews to determine if there are sufficient grounds for a full investigation into Richardson's conduct. The situation presents a severe integrity test for the club during a period of already significant instability.
