In 2003, Benji made his debut as an NRL player.
20 years later, in 2023, Benji made his NRL Coaching debut (albeit an assistant).
In 2005, Benji led the Wests Tigers to their first-ever NRL premiership.
20 years later, in 2025, Benji will...........?
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Upfront, I will state that I have an emotional attachment to Benji because of what he did for us in 2005.
But I think he receives little respect from a select few on this forum, considering he chose to coach an NRL team instead of being a media pin-up boy. He could have earnt more money and had a much easier lifestyle.
It is not Benji's fault he lacks years of coaching experience. He was put in an unfortunate position where his mentor, Tim Sheens, was shown the door, and he's been left to figure out the rest himself.
I am of the opinion you learn more from the hard times than you do the good.
His "Welcome to NRL Coaching" has been back to back wooden spoons. It doesn't get any harder than that.
I think 2025 will be remembered as a groundbreaking year for the joint venture where everything comes together. Players are coming back early to train, everyone has bought in. My current wave of positivity comes from Terrell May's recent quotes:
“I heard they let me go because they think I’ve reached my potential,” may said.
“Personally, I think I haven’t even scratched the surface. That was my first full year of playing first grade.
“Now that I know I’m moving to a club that really wants me and needs me, I know I will step up. I feel I’m ready to step up and lead a forward pack.”
This feels like our revenge on the Roosters for Tedesco. But my god for his first year in NRL he is an amazing talent. And if he improves 20-30% on last years form he'll be playing for NSW in no time.
It's like the stars have aligned.... we lost "potential superstar" Stefano, who showed next to nothing whilst here...... and sign one of the most in form props in the game....
With the exception of the Luai contract news yesterday, I've seen nothing but good things coming from the Wests Tigers camp so far....
Yeah, not a game has been played, we've had pre-seasons before where we all get amped up.... but this feels different.
Rant over.... I am wondering if another news article will be released in the next 24 hours to burst this bubble of a post 😏
20 years later, in 2023, Benji made his NRL Coaching debut (albeit an assistant).
In 2005, Benji led the Wests Tigers to their first-ever NRL premiership.
20 years later, in 2025, Benji will...........?
-----
Upfront, I will state that I have an emotional attachment to Benji because of what he did for us in 2005.
But I think he receives little respect from a select few on this forum, considering he chose to coach an NRL team instead of being a media pin-up boy. He could have earnt more money and had a much easier lifestyle.
It is not Benji's fault he lacks years of coaching experience. He was put in an unfortunate position where his mentor, Tim Sheens, was shown the door, and he's been left to figure out the rest himself.
I am of the opinion you learn more from the hard times than you do the good.
His "Welcome to NRL Coaching" has been back to back wooden spoons. It doesn't get any harder than that.
I think 2025 will be remembered as a groundbreaking year for the joint venture where everything comes together. Players are coming back early to train, everyone has bought in. My current wave of positivity comes from Terrell May's recent quotes:
“I heard they let me go because they think I’ve reached my potential,” may said.
“Personally, I think I haven’t even scratched the surface. That was my first full year of playing first grade.
“Now that I know I’m moving to a club that really wants me and needs me, I know I will step up. I feel I’m ready to step up and lead a forward pack.”
This feels like our revenge on the Roosters for Tedesco. But my god for his first year in NRL he is an amazing talent. And if he improves 20-30% on last years form he'll be playing for NSW in no time.
It's like the stars have aligned.... we lost "potential superstar" Stefano, who showed next to nothing whilst here...... and sign one of the most in form props in the game....
With the exception of the Luai contract news yesterday, I've seen nothing but good things coming from the Wests Tigers camp so far....
Yeah, not a game has been played, we've had pre-seasons before where we all get amped up.... but this feels different.
Rant over.... I am wondering if another news article will be released in the next 24 hours to burst this bubble of a post 😏
