NEW chief executive officer Stephen Humphreys says he is mindful of the importance of the ``Macarthur connection'' for Wests Tigers and its future.
Humphreys, 49, has been in the chair for just six weeks and says the club is in ``good shape'' and proud to be in Campbelltown.
``We're very mindful of the supporters and how important the Macarthur area is to the Tigers,'' Humphreys said.
The Tigers host several training sessions, coaching clinics and public appearances in the local region throughout the year.
They also support many community groups and charity fund-raising events.
The Tigers have three home grounds the Sydney Football Stadium, Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Stadium.
In recent years there have been critics stating there isn't enough rugby league played locally to quench the thirst of the public.
Campbelltown Stadium is undergoing an $8 million refurbishment which will be ready for 2010 home matches and a $3 million upgrade is under way at Leichhardt Oval. Mr Humphreys said the current deal playing home matches at the SFS expires at the end of 2010. (The Sydney Cricket Sports Ground Trust pays the Tigers a set fee for games played at the SFS.)
``Next year again, we will play five games at the SFS, three at Leichhardt and three at Campbelltown, and one game against Souths in the Heritage Round at the Sydney Cricket ground,'' Humphreys said.
``We would like to play more games at Campbelltown in the future but it's about getting the balance right financially.
``And I believe the Tigers are a daytime footy team, we have a lot of families who come to see us play and they prefer daytime footy Campbelltown people love the day games.
``We have a fantastic advantage where we have a club with a lot of tradition from Balmain and Wests and the younger followers who only the know the club as the Wests Tigers.
``The younger generation is the future of the club.''
Many of the club's players have links with the Macarthur region and Western Suburbs Magpies one of the club's feeder teams.
Blake Lazarus played with Eagle Vale St Andrews, Dean Collis was born in Camden and played with Campbelltown, Rocky Trimarchi played with Narellan Jets and Chris Lawrence played at Eagle Vale St Andrews.
Humphreys says the Tigers' vast geographic boundaries give it a ``unique demographic'' to ensure a strong future.
Humphreys said coach Tim Sheens, recruitment manager Warren McDonnell and football manager Alan Mair were in charge of player recruitment.
With just three weeks before the end of the premiership rounds the Tigers are sitting in fifth place on the premiership ladder.
Sheens, now in his seventh year at the Tigers, is contracted until the end of 2010.