'Deeply sorry': Wests Tigers apologise for botched Anzac Round jersey
The Wests Tigers have apologised for the botched release of a commemorative jersey to mark this weekend's Anzac Round, announcing that the jersey would be re-designed.
The club has been hammered for using an image of American soldiers on the front of the jersey - a fact that was overlooked before a PR blitz showcasing the strip, modelled by stars from the Tigers' men's and women's teams, John Bateman and Ruby-Jean Kennard.
Speaking on 2GB's WWOS Radio on Tuesday night, Paul Gallen teed off on the mistake, leading the criticism that led to the Tigers' apology on Wednesday.
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"The Commemorative Jersey to be worn by our players for this match has been criticised because an image on the jersey does not accurately depict Australian or New Zealand troops," the Tigers said in a statement.
The Wests Tigers' Anzac Round jersey depicting American soldiers. Supplied
"As a club Wests Tigers is deeply sorry if the use of this image has in any way offended anyone. This was never our intention, and we are taking steps to rectify this.
"We have taken on board feedback from our members and fans, and we will be redesigning our 2023 commemorative jersey, immediately.
"Wests Tigers deeply regret any offence the use of this stock image may have caused and remains completely committed to honouring and respecting all those servicemen and women who have, and who continue, to serve."
The Tigers said the re-designed jerseys will be auctioned with all proceedings going to Legacy.
Speaking on WWOS Radio, Gallen said the club employee who was charged with the jersey design was "in trouble".
"Especially Anzac Day. We live in this beautiful country because of what they did for us, the sacrifices they made.
"To stuff that up — that's a big stuff-up."
Yet, even as Gallen was joined by NRL fans and pundits in criticising the image on the Tigers' jersey, the club stood by it on Tuesday night, explaining the mistake away.
"Wests Tigers have collaborated with Holsworthy Army Barracks, who have sighted and approved all collateral relating to the release of this jersey," the Tigers said in a statement provided to Nine.
"The soldiers on the jersey simply depict the modern-day soldier serving in a desert environment.
"The image in question, which is a stock image, has been purchased under license by our official apparel partner.
"The final design was approved by NRL licensing.
"The military camouflage pattern above the chevron on the jersey is an authentic replica of the Australian Army camouflage that has been digitalised and grey-scaled.
"Both the Australian and New Zealand flags are represented on the jersey's shoulders, again honouring our Anzacs.
"Above all else, this jersey honours all Defence Force personnel who have served in recent conflicts in Middle East wars, who are so often underrepresented."
Wests Tigers. Wests Tigers, Getty Images
By Wednesday the opposition to the jersey had grown into a major controversy, leading the Tigers' to walk back their initial explanation.
The jersey saga comes amid a torrid time for the club after a 0-5 start to the 2023 season, with Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe under renewed pressure and fans starting to turn on newly re-installed premiership coach Tim Sheens.
Speaking to Wide World of Sports, Benny Elias put the focus squarely on the players, calling for star recruits Api Koroisau, John Bateman, Isaiah Papali'i and David Klemmer to put in performances to match their price tags.
The Tigers next play the Eels in their annual Easter Monday clash.
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