In a text message on Wednesday night, Romero told the Herald: “Holman Barnes Group approved and support the review.”

The review led to the most tumultuous day in the club’s history with former NSW premier Barry O’Farrell taking over as interim Tigers chairman and veteran administrator Shane Richardson as chief executive.

Former chairman Lee Hagipantelis and the entire board were stood down and chief executive Justin Pascoe resigned.

O’Farrell and Richardson were only given temporary terms after the review’s completion. O’Farrell has already declared he wants Richardson to stay beyond his initial six-month assignment.

Richardson has pledged the Tigers won’t be able to play at Leichhardt Oval in the future unless the historic venue is given urgent upgrades.

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The Tigers have already opened an office in Campbelltown as part of an increased commitment to south-west Sydney, and Richardson has suggested the club will consider playing more games at CommBank Stadium or Accor Stadium.

Tigers players leapt to the defence of the grand old ground on Wednesday.

“It’s got a lot of history, and it’s rich,” Tigers forward Isaiah Papali’i said. “Whatever happens, if it does have to go, that’d be sad.

“I think a lot of the boys grew up playing a lot of [junior] finals footy there. There’s a lot of memories for a lot of boys, and I’m included in that. If it does go, that’d be sad.

“I think running out at the start of the game [at Leichhardt], it was pretty crazy. I didn’t realise how full the hill would be. Seeing the fans turn up in such a large number was cool and gave me a bit of energy. I did really appreciate that, the atmosphere that they brought.”

Said Bud Sullivan: “It obviously helps having a home-ground advantage, but that’s sort of out of our control. Whatever the club chooses is going to be best for the club. It’ll be interesting to see what they do.”

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