Balmain Tigers could disappear

Balmain is set to lose its half-share of NRL club West Tigers unless it can come up with $5.4 million in two weeks.

The Tigers owe the NRL the money from an outstanding loan and must repay it by March 31. Balmain are hoping a billionaire property developer can bail them out.

The Wests Tigers were formed from a merger of Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs Magpies at the end of 1999. Merged clubs St George Illawarra and the Northern Eagles were created at the same time.

The Wests Tigers joint venture won the NRL grand final in 2005.

If Balmain cannot pay back the money then Wests, backed by the rich Wests Ashfield leagues club, will take over the full NRL license.