The turmoil engulfing the Wests Tigers NRL club has taken a sensational new turn, with the chairman at the centre of this week's boardroom purge now facing scrutiny over his personal social media activity.
Boardroom Bloodshed and Social Media Scrutiny
On Monday, four board members were dramatically sacked by the Holman Barnes Group, the leagues-club organisation that controls approximately 90 per cent of the Wests Tigers. Those removed were former New South Wales premier Barry O'Farrell, along with Annabelle Williams, Charlie Viola, and Michelle McDowell. They had been elected to the board less than a year ago.
The chairman who played a pivotal role in these dismissals is Dennis Burgess, a former singer and bass player for the rock group The Masters Apprentices. As the NRL threatens to potentially step in and resolve the boardroom power struggle, Burgess has found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond club governance.
Attention has turned to his Instagram account, with the handle @wildmandenny. The account follows more than 4500 profiles, including hundreds of adult-oriented accounts containing links to sexually explicit material and platforms like OnlyFans.
Fan Fury and NRL Oversight
The escalating drama has provoked fury among the club's supporter base, who are already concerned about the potential departure of star players Jarome Luai and Jahream Bula after next season. Fed-up fans are now demanding the NRL take direct control to stabilise the club.
Inner West council mayor Darcy Byrne has called for a rally to 'save' the club, aligning with several fan groups planning to march on the Wests Ashfield club. The ARL Commission is closely monitoring the situation, with chairman Peter V'landys stating his priority is to protect the club's fans during the internal chaos.
Meanwhile, the club's on-field leadership is also in doubt. CEO Shane Richardson is reportedly reconsidering his future after the NRL Integrity Unit launched an investigation into allegations concerning his behaviour. Holman Barnes Group chief executive Daniel Paton confirmed discussions with Richardson, stating, "He's come back and expressed that he's got some things to think about... It really needs to be resolved sooner rather than later."
A Chairman Under Fire
While Burgess has been inactive on Instagram since 2017, and it remains unclear if he personally followed the accounts in question, the discovery has added a controversial layer to the club's governance crisis. A social media user highlighted the activity, posting, "Wow the Chairman of Holman Barnes Group Dennis Burgess sure follows a lot of 20 something girls with OnlyFans accounts on his instagram... I stopped counting at 100 accounts with OF links."
The Holman Barnes Group's dominant control of the merged club has been a source of recent tension, and this latest episode involving its chairman intensifies the pressure. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dennis Burgess for comment on the matter.
With the boardroom in disarray, key staff uncertain of their positions, and fans in open revolt, the Wests Tigers' future appears increasingly precarious as the NRL watches on, poised to intervene.
