Benji 2025 and Beyond

[GNR4LIFE]

and TDS well he is deluded.

I’m sorry, what? Why?

 

[TIGERS]

I shudder to think what's going to happen when the novelty of signing under the Benji Marshall 'Legend' starts to wane and the reality of Signing under Benji Marshall the Coach takes effect.
I'm hoping by then, He was some idea of what he's doing and some more metal behind him backing him up.

Youre absolutely right.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

Jury for me is still out on Benji until we add more quality to the roster, it is still a gun outside back and 2 tough forwards short of top 8 strength.

Don't think the changing in the halves has helped either from Galvin trying to dominate then leaving and the Latu injury interruptions for most of the season, makes you wonder how we would be travelling if he played most of the games so far.

If things don't improve next season being his third year at the helm with hopefully a top 8 roster then alarm bells should be ringing in the ears of management, nothing less than win/loss parity should be acceptable we have been patient long enough.

 

[gregjm87]

Jury for me is still out on Benji until we add more quality to the roster, it is still a gun outside back and 2 tough forwards short of top 8 strength.

Don't think the changing in the halves has helped either from Galvin trying to dominate then leaving and the Latu injury interruptions for most of the season, makes you wonder how we would be travelling if he played most of the games so far.

If things don't improve next season being his third year at the helm with hopefully a top 8 roster then alarm bells should be ringing in the ears of management, nothing less than win/loss parity should be acceptable we have been patient long enough.

Largely agree with all the above. We are seeing some (not much but some) improvement. Mostly it is in attitude more so than any game plan or structures.
A lot of talk about the players still buying in and I agree they are. But the new recruits still buying in have been losing for half a season. Those that turned their back on him last year had been losing for 2+ years.
We will see how much buy in he has with the current playing group if they are still not getting results next year. I'd wager it would not be just the fans wanting a change.
I don't believe Benji is currently up to the required standard. As I said earlier we aren't seeing any improvement in structures, game plans, team selections, bench use, really anything a coach can control.
I do however think Benji being so green has plenty of scope to grow into his role and improve his own performance. For this reason combined with the players still having their faith in him I think he needs to be continued with. At least for now.

 

[mtd#2]

Just here to show some Benji love

Should be our coach till 2035 🙏

 

[magpies forever]

For me the question is that throughout this season WT have not developed consistent tactics and attacking and defensive structure-yes occasionally- but not even for a full game- ever under Benji. We have recruited more and better players than previously there but still lack a well rounded squad. So, apart from players, WT are lacking tactics and structure going into each game- thats on the coaching staff, not players. You can get a team of plodders to play to tactics and structure and come out reasonably well and we on paper are better than plodders. Whether Benji or just the coaching staff around him- this is our Achilles heel and must be sorted sooner rather than later. How? Thats for Richo to resolve (sorry Richo- not that you dont have other things to do).

 

[mtd#2]

For me the question is that throughout this season WT have not developed consistent tactics and attacking and defensive structure-yes occasionally- but not even for a full game- ever under Benji. We have recruited more and better players than previously there but still lack a well rounded squad. So, apart from players, WT are lacking tactics and structure going into each game- thats on the coaching staff, not players. You can get a team of plodders to play to tactics and structure and come out reasonably well and we on paper are better than plodders. Whether Benji or just the coaching staff around him- this is our Achilles heel and must be sorted sooner rather than later. How? Thats for Richo to resolve (sorry Richo- not that you dont have other things to do).

All good points.

I think the challenge we had is our play was built around Galvin and playing Luai out of position at 7..

I am quite confident we will see a much more structured style of play now our halves are locked in with Luai back to his preferred 6..

Happy to fall on my sword if it doesn't happen .

 

[Chunk]

With Benji being a rookie coach and inexperienced……

Is there a chance some players in the team are having more of an influence on the team then they should. These big personalities, if you will.

From game to game, to player retention?

 

[Telltails]

The June 30 deadline is what has ruined our season more than anything.
None of these discussions would be happening if this system was not allowed. It invites managers to run the game - strengthening the clubs who are trying to build for finals - and sends fans into conspiracy theory madness.
There is a reason why the AFL has a draft and trade window.

 

[Merlot]

All good points.

I think the challenge we had is our play was built around Galvin and playing Luai out of position at 7..

I am quite confident we will see a much more structured style of play now our halves are locked in with Luai back to his preferred 6..

Happy to fall on my sword if it doesn't happen .

our 1st 8 games were built on the strength of our pack ,that's been missing lately

 

[Merlot]

The June 30 deadline is what has ruined our season more than anything.
None of these discussions would be happening if this system was not allowed. It invites managers to run the game - strengthening the clubs who are trying to build for finals - and sends fans into conspiracy theory madness.
There is a reason why the AFL has a draft and trade window.

BS

 

[Jolls]

"Benji Marshall can't coach."

OK, I'm hearing plenty of this on the forum lately so I have tried to take the emotion out of the argument and provide a balanced assessment on the real question: Is it time bite the bullet and sack Benji.

So, supporting the argument.

• Poor On-Field Results. As of now, we are near the bottom of the NRL ladder, continuing a trend of poor results from previous seasons. We have shown no consistent improvement in attack, defence, or game management.
• Inexperience & Fast-Tracked Appointment. Benji had no head coaching experience before being thrust into the top job. He was part of a succession plan under Tim Sheens but took over prematurely when Sheens was sacked — without completing a proper apprenticeship.
• Lack of Tactical Structure. We regularly display poor defensive reads, disjointed attacking structures, and inconsistent kicking games — all signs of tactical and organisational issues.
  There’s little visible evidence of a defined game style or identity after over a year in the job.
• Man-Management Issues. There have been reports of unclear selection decisions, confusion over team roles, and tension around player management. High-profile player movements (e.g., Bateman, Galvin contract saga) have raised questions about leadership.
• Culture Not Shifting. Despite a focus on culture and connection, the results suggest that our long-standing problems with accountability and performance remain under Benji.

The Benji can coach camp.

• Inherited a Broken System. Benji took over a club that had been dysfunctional for over a decade — multiple coaches, poor recruitment, and board instability. He inherited a bottom-tier roster lacking in leadership, experience, and elite talent.
• Long-Term Vision, Short-Term Pain. Benji has prioritised youth development and culture building (e.g., playing Lachlan Galvin, promoting Heath Mason). Rebuilding a broken club takes time — many successful coaches (e.g., Craig Fitzgibbon, Todd Payten) endured rough starts.
• Player Support & Buy-In. Several young players and senior figures have publicly supported Benji’s approach and believe in his leadership. His presence and legacy at the club help him relate to players and fans in a way few others could.
• Not Enough Time to Judge Fairly. He’s been in the role less than two full seasons. Many great coaches struggled early (e.g., Ivan Cleary at the Panthers, Craig Bellamy pre-2006. Des Hasler at Manly). Given the weakness of the roster and instability around him, it’s arguably too early to reach a final verdict.
• Improved Effort Despite Losses. While results remain poor, some games show improved grit, resilience, and tactical awareness — indicating growth.

So what?

Is Benji Marshall is a capable NRL head coach? Based on results, tactical execution, and in-game adjustments, the evidence suggests he lacks the readiness for succeed at the top level right now. We remain poorly drilled, inconsistent, and easily broken down defensively.

However, it is be premature to say he "can't coach" in absolute terms. He clearly has leadership qualities, deep rugby league IQ, and player support. With a proper support structure (e.g., a strong GM of Football, experienced assistants) and more time to develop his coaching craft, he could become a competent coach in future.

We are at the point of having to make a decision on if we are continuing to support a failing course of action or if there has been enough positive influece to warrant allowing him to continue. So what is the Verdict?

In practical terms (output focussed) the statement that Benji can't coach is true. But that doesn’t mean he’s incapable. The playing group are supportive and there has been improvement so in the area of intangibles there has been definite growth in the club.

So what does this mean for us?

We are coming from rock bottom after a dozen years of failed coaches supprted by an incompetent board. The board is independent, there is a vision and we are pulling our feet out of the mud. More needs to be done - but I don't think, right now, that we are continuing to sink money into a failed course of action. There are enough green shoots to warrant continued investment.

The smarter approach is not to sack Benji but to restructure his support, and provide the environment for success. HBG needs to invest in the success of the Wests Tigers. With a proper support structure (e.g., a strong GM of Football, experienced assistants) and time Benji is likely to turn the corner.

 

[magpies forever]

It's a predicament isn't it? I actually think both the pros and cons are pretty right. So which way to go is the $1 million dollar question isn't it? I don't think there are any outstanding coaches to replace him with but I think we definitely have to strengthen his support coaches with people capable of addressing most of the cons. But who?

 

[Tom Shines]

• Lack of Tactical Structure. We regularly display poor defensive reads, disjointed attacking structures, and inconsistent kicking games — all signs of tactical and organisational issues.
  There’s little visible evidence of a defined game style or identity after over a year in the job.

You could expand the problems the side has attacking …particularly inside the opposition 20 where on several occasions they have repeated possession but struggle to get the ball across the line…their play to me is very ad hoc in this area and most of the team doesn’t seem to know what the plan is to score points ..

I would also add that there seems little specific planning on a week to week to target opposition weaknesses … the game plan to me seems pretty much the same each week …. In the first half , conservative one off hit ups that doesn’t put the opposition under much pressure … this inevitably leads to the opposition getting a scoreboard break on them, and the Tigers playing off the cuff in the second half but unsuccessfully trying to close the gap that has opened up…

These issues are major weaknesses and makes it very hard to win a game …. And we are yet to see any major improvements in this area over the course of Benji’s tenure IMO..

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

You could expand the problems the side has attacking …particularly inside the opposition 20 where on several occasions they have repeated possession but struggle to get the ball across the line.

This is where we need 2/3 more powerful forwards than what we have at the moment that can help to bend the defensive line or attract more defenders to create holes.

Seyfarth, Bird and Twal aren't enough threat to worry set defenses in fact defenders are licking their lips seeing them coming at them.

Also we don't throw enough variation at them either, when was the last time we saw an angled run across the grain ala Briton Nikora no we just get a rinse and repeat of Twally taking it up, yikes that's so scary.

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

This is where we need 2/3 more powerful forwards than what we have at the moment that can help to bend the defensive line or attract more defenders to create holes.

Seyfarth, Bird and Twal aren't enough threat to worry set defenses in fact defenders are licking their lips seeing them coming at them.

Also we don't throw enough variation at them either, when was the last time we saw an angled run across the grain ala Briton Nikora no we just get a rinse and repeat of Twally taking it up, yikes that's so scary.

I hold out hope that Spencer Leniu may fall from the tree as a westy who doesn't fit into that Roosters latte culture like Terrell Davis May.

Roosters have Lindsay Collins & Naufahu Whyte as long-term starters with a plethora of talented middles coming through so Leniu's $$$ may be expendable for them.

 

[Tom Shines]

This is where we need 2/3 more powerful forwards than what we have at the moment that can help to bend the defensive line or attract more defenders to create holes.

Seyfarth, Bird and Twal aren't enough threat to worry set defenses in fact defenders are licking their lips seeing them coming at them.

Also we don't throw enough variation at them either, when was the last time we saw an angled run across the grain ala Briton Nikora no we just get a rinse and repeat of Twally taking it up, yikes that's so scary.

Yes ..agree they can update all three … whether they will remains to be seen..

Not sure that alone will solve all our problems in that area though

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I hold out hope that Spencer Leniu may fall from the tree as a westy who doesn't fit into that Roosters latte culture like Terrell Davis May.

Roosters have Lindsay Collins & Naufahu Whyte as long-term starters with a plethora of talented middles coming through so Leniu's $$$ may be expendable for them.

Now you're talking B that's the type of forward we need, a mean critter with no self-preservation.
It's disappointing the way Hunt has turned out if he lost 10kg and found his mongrel again he would still be big enough to cause havoc, think that's why so many were happy to see him sign, don't know if the hunger is there anymore the next off season should determine that.

 

[Jolls]

You could expand the problems the side has attacking …particularly inside the opposition 20 where on several occasions they have repeated possession but struggle to get the ball across the line…their play to me is very ad hoc in this area and most of the team doesn’t seem to know what the plan is to score points ..

I would also add that there seems little specific planning on a week to week to target opposition weaknesses … the game plan to me seems pretty much the same each week …. In the first half , conservative one off hit ups that doesn’t put the opposition under much pressure … this inevitably leads to the opposition getting a scoreboard break on them, and the Tigers playing off the cuff in the second half but unsuccessfully trying to close the gap that has opened up…

These issues are major weaknesses and makes it very hard to win a game …. And we are yet to see any major improvements in this area over the course of Benji’s tenure IMO..

I don't disagree with most of what you have written. We have seen different gameplans - particulary in or defensive patterns. We have at time been up and in and at others sliding more. We played more up and in on Canberra to nullify their outside men (albeit causing us some defensive problems). The thing we, the unwashed, don't know is if the team is delivering what has been asked of it by Benji. So is it the coach or the execution?

I don't buy the results speak for themselves argument. With a couple of ball bounces we could be in the 8 and people would be singing Benji's praises and not one thing would have changed in the way he coaches.

Over the last couple of seasons we have put together a couple of great games and lots of great part games. If Benji and his staff had no idea this wouldn't happen. I'm not saying he is good - just that he can. This year we are more consistent but still on the wrong side of the ledger, and our attack looks poor to average. Is this the coach or is it the change from Galvin/Whoever to Luai/Galvin, Luai/AD, Luai/Mason, and now Luai/Latu. Is the style of play Luai brings making it difficulth the same as it did when Api first arrived?

The key thing is that the progress is there but slow, and it is sparodic in nature. I don't think that we are at the point yet where we are escalating our commitment to a failed course of action. We were provided with a shit course of action by the previosu administration, we have ridden the fall and we are starting to see some green shoots.

Does Benji need help? I think he does; more of a mentor than an assistant and someone to look after the entire football department. I think Benji has most of what a good coach needs - less experience. Put an experienced mentor in place and I think we accelerate his, and the club's, growth.

 

[Jolls]

It's a predicament isn't it? I actually think both the pros and cons are pretty right. So which way to go is the $1 million dollar question isn't it? I don't think there are any outstanding coaches to replace him with but I think we definitely have to strengthen his support coaches with people capable of addressing most of the cons. But who?

I had previously put forward Neil Henry as a mentor, he has experience and is would probably have the right temperament. The other one that came to mind is Brian Smith - but while he has the credentials I'm not sure he and Benji would work well together. There are others that could overse the day to day of the football department; ie developing coaches, pathways etc.

What we need is a system that produces footy. Benji as a head coach is a big part of that system but the system needs to include pathways, coaches and their development, culture, communty engagement etc. They don't necessarily need to even have a coaching background - but knwo how to put together a developemnt programme. Something that would benefit Benji immensely. A half day with Warren Ryan once per month as an example off the top of my head.