Triguboff says no to Balmain bailout

The billionaire former major partner of the Wests Tigers, Harry Triguboff, has turned down a request to buy out Balmain's share in the club.

Triguboff, the developer behind long-time Wests Tigers sponsor Meriton Apartments, has told media he is not interested in bailing out the struggling founation club. The Balmain side of the club needs $5.4 million to repay a debt to the NRL, or Wests Ashfield will assume control of their part of the merged entity, leaving the Wests Group in complete control of the club.

Now $11 million in debt and without Triguboff to save them, it now looks almost certain that will be the outcome, although Wests Ashfield claim they won't be changing the merged club's identity regardless of what happens with Balmain's contribution.

While not committing to bailing out Balmain, Triguboff has indicated he'd be happy to help bring players to the Wests Tigers club, but only if there are Balmain members on the board - a situation looking less and less likely as time ticks away.

Meanwhile, the Wests Tigers will be hoping the off-field drama has no effect on their unbeaten start to the season as they travel to the Gold Coast for a Saturday night showdown with the Titans.