ARTHUR Laundy has never shied away from a challenge, but buying Wests Tigers is the ultimate test for the billionaire publican.
Laundy, who has been a long-time sponsor of Canterbury, has revealed he is interested in buying the Wests Tigers, but only if the NRL will allow him to take control of both clubs.
The Laundy Group is synonymous with the Bulldogs, and Arthur’s father John is a life member at Belmore.
The Laundys have been huge benefactors of the club, and Arthur has sponsored the NRL club for the past decade.
But the Laundys have also been close to the Tigers for years.
Arthur’s sister Kate and her husband Mitchell Hooke are close mates with Tigers powerbroker and board member Mike McGuinness.
McGuinness is one of the key figures in the Tigers’ administration, and he has been pushing for change at the embattled club for years.
Laundy, who is worth more than $1 billion, has been approached by NRL powerbrokers about buying the Tigers.
The club is desperate for new investment after years of poor on-field results and financial mismanagement.
The Tigers have been one of the worst-performing clubs in the NRL for the past decade, winning just 35 per cent of their games since 2014.
They have also been plagued by boardroom drama, with the current administration led by Barry O’Farrell attempting to turn the club around.
But the Tigers need money, and Laundy is one of the richest men in the game.
“I’ve been approached about buying the Tigers, and I’m interested,” Laundy told The Daily Telegraph.
“But I’m not doing it unless I can own both the Bulldogs and the Tigers.
“I love the Bulldogs, they’re family to me, but the Tigers are a great club with huge potential.
“If the NRL allows it, I’d love to take both on and build them into premiership contenders.”
The NRL has strict rules about cross-ownership, but there have been precedents in the past.
Rugby league identity Wayne Pearce owned shares in both Balmain and Wests before the merger, and there are other examples of dual ownership.
NRL chief executive Andrew Johns has been open to new investment models, and Laundy’s proposal could be the kind of bold move the game needs.
Laundy’s business empire includes more than 100 pubs across NSW and Queensland, and he has a reputation as a straight shooter.
He is also known for his philanthropy, and he has been a vocal supporter of mental health initiatives in rugby league.
The Tigers have been searching for new ownership for months, with several consortiums expressing interest.
But Laundy’s bid would be the most high-profile, and it could solve the club’s financial woes overnight.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are in a strong position under Phil Gould, and Laundy’s continued sponsorship is a major boost.
But if he buys the Tigers, it could create a powerhouse alliance in western Sydney.
“I’m serious about this,” Laundy said.
“The Tigers need help, and I’m in a position to provide it.
“But it has to be done right, and it has to include the Bulldogs.
“We can build something special together.”
The NRL will now consider Laundy’s proposal, but sources say it is unlikely to be approved in its current form.
However, Laundy is not one to back down, and he is prepared to fight for what he wants.
The rugby league world will be watching with interest.
*This article was produced with the assistance of NINMS.*
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