The story, which appeared in Friday’s edition, also stated NRL were paying clubs $250,000 a week which the Tigers said was incorrect.

“Wests Tigers would like to clarify the club’s ownership structure following an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald written by Adam Pengilly today,” the statement read.

“The club would like to make it clear that it is not owned, or controlled, by the NRL.

“Wests Tigers ownership model is very clear, the Western Suburbs Magpies own 75% and the Balmain Tigers own 25%.

“The article references a loan from the NRL, Wests Tigers would like to make it clear that the Balmain Tigers currently have an existing loan with the NRL.

“The Balmain Tigers received a loan from the NRL in recent years, and is being charged interest at commercial rates. Wests Tigers have no financial obligation to this loan.

“The Balmain Tigers are separate from Wests Tigers, with neither entity owned by the NRL.

“In addition the article claims that the NRL met a commitment to pay clubs $250,000 each this week. This is incorrect as payment is yet to be received.”