Benji Marshall’s contract gives him more power than almost any other coach in the NRL, but that is about to be challenged as the Wests Tigers realise he can no longer be surrounded by “yes men” after a tumultuous week for the club that could result in the loss of another quality half.
Regular halfback Adam Doueihi stood up to Marshall on Thursday, calling him out on issues at the club and standing down from Saturday’s clash against the Raiders after Marshall had moved him to lock – a stance for which Doueihi was called selfish in the meeting.
Rift: Benji Marshall and Adam DoueihiGetty/Monique Westermann
Doueihi’s agent,
Isaac Moses, has now organised peace talks between Marshall and Doueihi with a view to keeping his client at the club. Moses only found out about the fallout between coach and player after the event – and while he backs his player’s opinions, he has made it clear to Doueihi that he felt he should have played.
Moses will put his own issues with Marshall to one side to find a solution. The aim is to bring the pair together so Doueihi can play in the Tigers’ next game, against Parramatta next Sunday.
The “selfish” accusation is hard to argue with, but Doueihi’s behaviour this year suggests he is anything but. For Doueihi, the positional change was a culmination of issues that had been irking him before he made his snap decision.
The most obvious is that star five-eighth
Jarome Luai is leaving the club for the Eels next season, then the PNG Chiefs in 2028, and the idea of Doueihi mentoring and combining with rookie half
Javon Andrews has been discussed.
Benji Marshall has been at the heart of another tumultuous week in Tiger Town.Kate Geraghty
Doueihi’s selection at lock didn’t lend itself to that. So no matter how you spin it, Luai’s exit is having an impact on the club.
Doueihi has busted his backside to support Marshall and create a team culture. From putting on team meals to being the one who brought the players together for coffees. He paid for his own flight to support the team at Magic Round when he was out injured. He is also currently playing through a shoulder injury.
From our partners
Doueihi should have sensed something was up with his selection going into the Raiders game when Marshall showed little interest in his judiciary appearance on Tuesday night. He didn’t get a phone call from his coach after beating a careless high tackle charge.
The initial thought is that the situation is not beyond repair, but the Tigers have lost two marquee halves in
Lachlan Galvin and Luai in the last 13 months.
Lachie Galvin had his issues with Marshall during his time at the Tigers.Renee Nowytarger
Galvin had a dossier of complaints about Marshall – the contents of which have been hidden away. Luai was told to move on after signing with PNG to accommodate the next wave of talent.
So the Tigers are facing the loss of three top halves at a time when playmakers have never been more in demand.
It can also be revealed that Marshall’s agent,
Matt Desira, not only brokered a great deal for his client, but timed it to perfection. The contract was struck when the club was in the midst of a boardroom crisis and effectively hands all power over the team to Marshall.
Related Article
The coach, a 2005 premiership winner and club legend, has the final say over everything at the club, from his assistant coach down to the gear stewards. And if he is sacked or asked to accept changes to his deal, he is entitled to be paid out in full.
The latest drama could actually be the making of Marshall as a coach as it is going to bring change.
Marshall was untouchable as a player, on and off the field. His status as a generational great meant any shortcomings were glossed over. But being a champion player doesn’t automatically translate into being a great head coach and leader of men.
There is a growing feeling at the Tigers that Marshall needs outside help. One of his biggest issues is that he doesn’t have enough people challenging him. There is already discussion that one of his main men,
John Morris, is heading to the Dragons. That has been denied. But Marshall will be offered assistance in the off season.
The club could do worse than consider if
Shane Flanagan would join as a senior assistant. It’s something Flanagan is open to. Whether Marshall would accept it is another thing. He has the legal right to tell the club to shove it.
The view that there have been double standards at the club has also been relayed to me. Some players are allowed to get out of training with too much ease,
while bad habits like vaping have been ignored.
