Benji 2025 and Beyond

[Jolls]

Why Are the We Releasing Players Mid-Season Without Replacements?

I have to admit I am perplexed at this latest mid-season release and have tried to think through the reasoning. There’s been a lot of discussion on here about the club’s approach of releasing players mid-season without bringing in direct replacements, especially given our current depth issues. I have tried to take a balanced approach to determine the why.

1. Salary Cap Management. The obvious reason behind the releases is is managing the salary cap. By releasing players mid-season, we save part of the salary for the remainder of the year, which:

• Creates cap space for future signings;
• Provides flexibility in payment options for 2025 to allow for 2026 roster upgrades; and
• Avoids paying players who aren’t in the long term plans

2. Focus on the Long-Term Rebuild. It is clear that our club is focussed on a long-term rebuild. Rather than holding onto players who won’t be here for the crocodile roll they’re choosing to clear the roster now to reset for the future.

3. Emphasis on Junior Development. Benji and Richo have made it clear that they will develop younger players rather than fill spots with short-term journeymen. This has seen Galvin, Laulilii, TDS and Mason get early NRL exposure to accelerate their growth. However, if they then decide for whatever reason that they don't want to be part of the long term plan because they are ruthlessly cut. This sends a clear message to the playing group that you are part of the solution or you will not be taking up space in the roster that could be used to develop someone else. This leads us to what is probably the main reason behind the approach.

4. Cultural and Standards Reset. Several of the exits are about culture and standards. If someone isn’t fitting into the new expectations or style of play, the club is willing to move them on, even if it leaves gaps in the short term.

The Risks

• Short-term: Less depth and experience means heavier losses and further challenges to competitiveness this season.
• Long-term: The goal is to build a more sustainable, cap-compliant squad with a strong core and the flexibility to recruit quality players for the future.

Final Thoughts

It’s a calculated but risky strategy. The club is prioritising cultural reset and future recruitment opportunities over short-term results. Whether it pays off will depend on:

• The calibre of players we sign for 2026 and beyond
• The development trajectory of the young players being exposed to first grade now
• The club’s ability to maintain member and fan support during a challenging period

I know most have been scratching their heads as much as I have over this. We have constantly heard from Richo and Benji that this all part of the plan. We know the destination - top 4 club - but not the roadmap for how we intend to get there. We can only assume that this is planned part of the route.

The question that we need to ask ourselves as we endure the pain is this: Is this approach necessary to reset and rebuild our club after a prolonged period of poor administration and players coming to us for a pension. The subsequent question being: If this is a true rebuild and we are settting standards and developing our future player and club culture have we been too aggressive and lost sight of balancing our short-term competitiveness?

My gut feel is that Richo is keeping the cards held too tight to his chest. If the fan base was engaged and understood the road map there would probably be a lot less angst. The approach is clearly calculated and deliberate - we just don't understand why.

 

[Siberian Kitten]

Isaac Moses has now derailed two WT seasons. Tigers trained all pre-season with Galvin, Luai, Api and Bula as the spine. Ever since Galvin (re)played the classic Moses move - the mental health card - the team's defence went out the window.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Isaac Moses has now derailed two WT seasons. Tigers trained all pre-season with Galvin, Luai, Api and Bula as the spine. Ever since Galvin (re)played the classic Moses move - the mental health card - the team's defence went out the window.

So the club is absolved from any responsibility? Why doesn’t this stuff happen at other clubs?

 

[Spartan117]

Why Are the We Releasing Players Mid-Season Without Replacements?

I have to admit I am perplexed at this latest mid-season release and have tried to think through the reasoning. There’s been a lot of discussion on here about the club’s approach of releasing players mid-season without bringing in direct replacements, especially given our current depth issues. I have tried to take a balanced approach to determine the why.

1. Salary Cap Management. The obvious reason behind the releases is is managing the salary cap. By releasing players mid-season, we save part of the salary for the remainder of the year, which:

• Creates cap space for future signings;
• Provides flexibility in payment options for 2025 to allow for 2026 roster upgrades; and
• Avoids paying players who aren’t in the long term plans

2. Focus on the Long-Term Rebuild. It is clear that our club is focussed on a long-term rebuild. Rather than holding onto players who won’t be here for the crocodile roll they’re choosing to clear the roster now to reset for the future.

3. Emphasis on Junior Development. Benji and Richo have made it clear that they will develop younger players rather than fill spots with short-term journeymen. This has seen Galvin, Laulilii, TDS and Mason get early NRL exposure to accelerate their growth. However, if they then decide for whatever reason that they don't want to be part of the long term plan because they are ruthlessly cut. This sends a clear message to the playing group that you are part of the solution or you will not be taking up space in the roster that could be used to develop someone else. This leads us to what is probably the main reason behind the approach.

4. Cultural and Standards Reset. Several of the exits are about culture and standards. If someone isn’t fitting into the new expectations or style of play, the club is willing to move them on, even if it leaves gaps in the short term.

The Risks

• Short-term: Less depth and experience means heavier losses and further challenges to competitiveness this season.
• Long-term: The goal is to build a more sustainable, cap-compliant squad with a strong core and the flexibility to recruit quality players for the future.

Final Thoughts

It’s a calculated but risky strategy. The club is prioritising cultural reset and future recruitment opportunities over short-term results. Whether it pays off will depend on:

• The calibre of players we sign for 2026 and beyond
• The development trajectory of the young players being exposed to first grade now
• The club’s ability to maintain member and fan support during a challenging period

I know most have been scratching their heads as much as I have over this. We have constantly heard from Richo and Benji that this all part of the plan. We know the destination - top 4 club - but not the roadmap for how we intend to get there. We can only assume that this is planned part of the route.

The question that we need to ask ourselves as we endure the pain is this: Is this approach necessary to reset and rebuild our club after a prolonged period of poor administration and players coming to us for a pension. The subsequent question being: If this is a true rebuild and we are settting standards and developing our future player and club culture have we been too aggressive and lost sight of balancing our short-term competitiveness?

My gut feel is that Richo is keeping the cards held too tight to his chest. If the fan base was engaged and understood the road map there would probably be a lot less angst. The approach is clearly calculated and deliberate - we just don't understand why.

Always well thought out posts @Jolls

Why Are the We Releasing Players Mid-Season Without Replacements?

I have to admit I am perplexed at this latest mid-season release and have tried to think through the reasoning. There’s been a lot of discussion on here about the club’s approach of releasing players mid-season without bringing in direct replacements, especially given our current depth issues. I have tried to take a balanced approach to determine the why.

1. Salary Cap Management. The obvious reason behind the releases is is managing the salary cap. By releasing players mid-season, we save part of the salary for the remainder of the year, which:

• Creates cap space for future signings;
• Provides flexibility in payment options for 2025 to allow for 2026 roster upgrades; and
• Avoids paying players who aren’t in the long term plans

2. Focus on the Long-Term Rebuild. It is clear that our club is focussed on a long-term rebuild. Rather than holding onto players who won’t be here for the crocodile roll they’re choosing to clear the roster now to reset for the future.

3. Emphasis on Junior Development. Benji and Richo have made it clear that they will develop younger players rather than fill spots with short-term journeymen. This has seen Galvin, Laulilii, TDS and Mason get early NRL exposure to accelerate their growth. However, if they then decide for whatever reason that they don't want to be part of the long term plan because they are ruthlessly cut. This sends a clear message to the playing group that you are part of the solution or you will not be taking up space in the roster that could be used to develop someone else. This leads us to what is probably the main reason behind the approach.

4. Cultural and Standards Reset. Several of the exits are about culture and standards. If someone isn’t fitting into the new expectations or style of play, the club is willing to move them on, even if it leaves gaps in the short term.

The Risks

• Short-term: Less depth and experience means heavier losses and further challenges to competitiveness this season.
• Long-term: The goal is to build a more sustainable, cap-compliant squad with a strong core and the flexibility to recruit quality players for the future.

Final Thoughts

It’s a calculated but risky strategy. The club is prioritising cultural reset and future recruitment opportunities over short-term results. Whether it pays off will depend on:

• The calibre of players we sign for 2026 and beyond
• The development trajectory of the young players being exposed to first grade now
• The club’s ability to maintain member and fan support during a challenging period

I know most have been scratching their heads as much as I have over this. We have constantly heard from Richo and Benji that this all part of the plan. We know the destination - top 4 club - but not the roadmap for how we intend to get there. We can only assume that this is planned part of the route.

The question that we need to ask ourselves as we endure the pain is this: Is this approach necessary to reset and rebuild our club after a prolonged period of poor administration and players coming to us for a pension. The subsequent question being: If this is a true rebuild and we are settting standards and developing our future player and club culture have we been too aggressive and lost sight of balancing our short-term competitiveness?

My gut feel is that Richo is keeping the cards held too tight to his chest. If the fan base was engaged and understood the road map there would probably be a lot less angst. The approach is clearly calculated and deliberate - we just don't understand why.

Even worse.

Now we tell the other young stars,

If u want, you can agitate and be let go whenever u want...

Tigers shouldn't roll over so easily.

 

[batboy]

Said in the Presser "Today was a step backwards"
Steps might be quite a bigger than most.

 

[Jolls]

Always well thought out posts @Jolls

Even worse.

Now we tell the other young stars,

If u want, you can agitate and be let go whenever u want...

Tigers shouldn't roll over so easily.

I really had to think over this - especially with TDS as he could have performed a role for the next 18 months. My gut was telling me that we are being soft and rolling over, but given that this has been such a deliberate and calculated process that had to be a reason.

I think Benji and Richo are being ruthless and makeing an internal statement - if you aren't here for the long hauld we don't want you. As painfull as it might be if we are really about building culture and an identity that isn't bottom 4 we need to act be seen to act like a top 4 club. To be as ruthless as the Roosters wehn it comes to player management.

I ceertainly don't like how it feels as a fan - but peeling back the layers of the onion - I think I get the why. Maybe not - Benji and Richo need to rip the bandaid off and simply come out and state it!

 

[hybrid_tiger]

“I keep hearing Willie Peters name mentioned as a contender for next year. Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League, they have had their best start in history. They have won the Challenge Cup.

“I know Peters is close to Shane Richardson from their time there at the Rabbitohs so I think we are going to have to watch the space re Benji’s future.”

‘They are gone’: Why Tigers are a ‘mess again’ as stars depart and Benji replacement touted

‘They are gone’: Why Tigers are a ‘mess again’ as stars depart and Benji replacement touted

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[GNR4LIFE]

“I keep hearing Willie Peters name mentioned as a contender for next year. Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League, they have had their best start in history. They have won the Challenge Cup.

“I know Peters is close to Shane Richardson from their time there at the Rabbitohs so I think we are going to have to watch the space re Benji’s future.”

‘They are gone’: Why Tigers are a ‘mess again’ as stars depart and Benji replacement touted

‘They are gone’: Why Tigers are a ‘mess again’ as stars depart and Benji replacement touted

www.foxsports.com.au

There’s no way Richo can be serious claiming Benji is safe regardless of us getting another spoon. If he is, he should go too. Hopefully it was his unique way of saying Benji has full support of the board.

 

[Tom Shines]

Isaac Moses has now derailed two WT seasons. Tigers trained all pre-season with Galvin, Luai, Api and Bula as the spine. Ever since Galvin (re)played the classic Moses move - the mental health card - the team's defence went out the window.

Yes…. And?

I got zero respect for Galvin… but an old stager like Richo should have been better prepared

Perhaps in hindsight they should have had Plan B and C ready for this contingency considering the club has been here and done that before with Moses and he hates Benji’s guts…

Galvin told them repeatedly last year he wanted out of the club … why didn’t Richardson & Marshall believe him ?

 

[hybrid_tiger]

There’s no way Richo can be serious claiming Benji is safe regardless of us getting another spoon. If he is, he should go too. Hopefully it was his unique way of saying Benji has full support of the board.

I agree.

He's going to look like a fool now if he sacks him.

Richo obviously has a great track record, but talks too much. Then when shit hits the fan he goes completely quiet.

He backed himself into a corner by staunchly backing Benji so publically.

Since he was appointed by the previous administration, the smart thing to do would have been to say nothing.

 

[Tom Shines]

I agree.

He's going to look like a fool now if he sacks him.

Richo obviously has a great track record, but talks too much. Then when shit hits the fan he goes completely quiet.

He backed himself into a corner by staunchly backing Benji so publically.

Since he was appointed by the previous administration, the smart thing to do would have been to say nothing.

I don’t think he gives af about what the fans think of him …. He’ll still make the call to get rid of him if that’s his decision

 

[TigerBurnsy]

After what buzz has been saying I think Benji is on very thin ice, remember Richo all off season was saying how there are no excuses and we can make the 8 so he would know that Benji is doing a shit job to be not in the hunt for the 8

 

[batboy]

Yes…. And?

I got zero respect for Galvin… but an old stager like Richo should have been better prepared

Perhaps in hindsight they should have had Plan B and C ready for this contingency considering the club has been here and done that before with Moses and he hates Benji’s guts…

Galvin told them repeatedly last year he wanted out of the club … why didn’t Richardson & Marshall believe him ?

Moses is an arseclown, But he's not 'ruining' any other clubs
(Except Manly)

 

[Chunk]

This has seen Galvin, Laulilii, TDS and Mason get early NRL exposure to accelerate their growth. However, if they then decide for whatever reason that they don't want to be part of the long term plan because they are ruthlessly cut. This sends a clear message to the playing group that you are part of the solution or you will not be taking up space in the roster that could be used to develop someone else. This leads us to what is probably the main reason behind the approach.

4. Cultural and Standards Reset. Several of the exits are about culture and standards. If someone isn’t fitting into the new expectations or style of play, the club is willing to move them on, even if it leaves gaps in the short term.

What if the 'style of play' is not respected or liked by the players, both potential recruits and juniors. I'm not saying it is or isn't but it doesn't look good atm.

It then doesn't matter what the club says about, 'if you don't buy in, you can leave'. This line spun by the club is BS. They should make the place, a place where you want to come and play and stay.

The X factor might be Benji. He seems like he's liked by the players and would be a good man manager but has he the respect within the Rugby League world, as a coach. Has he the experience to build a strong team culture, or the perceived experience to build a strong team culture.

 

[Jolls]

What if the 'style of play' is not respected or liked by the players, both potential recruits and juniors. I'm not saying it is or isn't but it doesn't look good atm.

It then doesn't matter what the club says about, 'if you don't buy in, you can leave'. This line spun by the club is BS. They should make the place, a place where you want to come and play and stay.

The X factor might be Benji. He seems like he's liked by the players and would be a good man manager but has he the respect within the Rugby League world, as a coach. Has he the experience to build a strong team culture, or the perceived experience to build a strong team culture.

I think that Richo and Benji are trying to reset the joint and if you aren't in it for club you are out the door and they will find someone who is. It is a hard line stance by the looks of it and it is coming at a cost. We all want shorter term success - but the approach has been repeated several times this season so it isn't about one offs or an unhappy player here and there.

I was astounded we let TDS go mid season, he has plenty to offer (not that you would have know Friday) and we could have made him play out his contract. But if you have made it known that you aren't team first then I guess you will be shown the door.

It is a huge change but if the club is serious about being top 4 in the future they need to start acting like a top 4 club and make the ruthless decisions needed to get there. The moves definitely haven't been popular and Benji must be feeling the pressure - but if he is making the hard calls with the backing of Richo in support of "the plan" then he is proably safe and it is the roster that needs to be worried about job security. In it for the long haul or out the door.

 

[Needaname]

Why Are the We Releasing Players Mid-Season Without Replacements?

I have to admit I am perplexed at this latest mid-season release and have tried to think through the reasoning. There’s been a lot of discussion on here about the club’s approach of releasing players mid-season without bringing in direct replacements, especially given our current depth issues. I have tried to take a balanced approach to determine the why.

1. Salary Cap Management. The obvious reason behind the releases is is managing the salary cap. By releasing players mid-season, we save part of the salary for the remainder of the year, which:

• Creates cap space for future signings;
• Provides flexibility in payment options for 2025 to allow for 2026 roster upgrades; and
• Avoids paying players who aren’t in the long term plans

2. Focus on the Long-Term Rebuild. It is clear that our club is focussed on a long-term rebuild. Rather than holding onto players who won’t be here for the crocodile roll they’re choosing to clear the roster now to reset for the future.

3. Emphasis on Junior Development. Benji and Richo have made it clear that they will develop younger players rather than fill spots with short-term journeymen. This has seen Galvin, Laulilii, TDS and Mason get early NRL exposure to accelerate their growth. However, if they then decide for whatever reason that they don't want to be part of the long term plan because they are ruthlessly cut. This sends a clear message to the playing group that you are part of the solution or you will not be taking up space in the roster that could be used to develop someone else. This leads us to what is probably the main reason behind the approach.

4. Cultural and Standards Reset. Several of the exits are about culture and standards. If someone isn’t fitting into the new expectations or style of play, the club is willing to move them on, even if it leaves gaps in the short term.

The Risks

• Short-term: Less depth and experience means heavier losses and further challenges to competitiveness this season.
• Long-term: The goal is to build a more sustainable, cap-compliant squad with a strong core and the flexibility to recruit quality players for the future.

Final Thoughts

It’s a calculated but risky strategy. The club is prioritising cultural reset and future recruitment opportunities over short-term results. Whether it pays off will depend on:

• The calibre of players we sign for 2026 and beyond
• The development trajectory of the young players being exposed to first grade now
• The club’s ability to maintain member and fan support during a challenging period

I know most have been scratching their heads as much as I have over this. We have constantly heard from Richo and Benji that this all part of the plan. We know the destination - top 4 club - but not the roadmap for how we intend to get there. We can only assume that this is planned part of the route.

The question that we need to ask ourselves as we endure the pain is this: Is this approach necessary to reset and rebuild our club after a prolonged period of poor administration and players coming to us for a pension. The subsequent question being: If this is a true rebuild and we are settting standards and developing our future player and club culture have we been too aggressive and lost sight of balancing our short-term competitiveness?

My gut feel is that Richo is keeping the cards held too tight to his chest. If the fan base was engaged and understood the road map there would probably be a lot less angst. The approach is clearly calculated and deliberate - we just don't understand why.

I think my personal opinion is we’ve put too much emphasis on establishing a young core that we can build a future around. We’ve tried this before and failed many times.
Prehaps the new direction is the future is now and we are building a ready made core for the current years.
Api and Luai are a huge part of that along with the Fainu’s.

 

[Rock Hopper Steve]

I really had to think over this - especially with TDS as he could have performed a role for the next 18 months. My gut was telling me that we are being soft and rolling over, but given that this has been such a deliberate and calculated process that had to be a reason.

I think Benji and Richo are being ruthless and makeing an internal statement - if you aren't here for the long hauld we don't want you. As painfull as it might be if we are really about building culture and an identity that isn't bottom 4 we need to act be seen to act like a top 4 club. To be as ruthless as the Roosters wehn it comes to player management.

I ceertainly don't like how it feels as a fan - but peeling back the layers of the onion - I think I get the why. Maybe not - Benji and Richo need to rip the bandaid off and simply come out and state it!

I think you're on the money Jolls if you want the culture to change the players have to be all in right through the grades, no disruption from the non-believers if you're not all in there's the door.

The writing was on the wall for wonder boy when he was rumoured to say I can't wait to get out of this shit club, if he did say that he should have been shafted straight away, it could have spared the pain and set back to this season.

Well, we can only hope this is what Richo and Benji is trying to do for the greater good of the club going forward because it has started already, the shit from the media guys It's going to get ugly again, man they give me the shits.

 

[Chunk]

I think that Richo and Benji are trying to reset the joint and if you aren't in it for club you are out the door and they will find someone who is. It is a hard line stance by the looks of it and it is coming at a cost. We all want shorter term success - but the approach has been repeated several times this season so it isn't about one offs or an unhappy player here and there.

I was astounded we let TDS go mid season, he has plenty to offer (not that you would have know Friday) and we could have made him play out his contract. But if you have made it known that you aren't team first then I guess you will be shown the door.

It is a huge change but if the club is serious about being top 4 in the future they need to start acting like a top 4 club and make the ruthless decisions needed to get there. The moves definitely haven't been popular and Benji must be feeling the pressure - but if he is making the hard calls with the backing of Richo in support of "the plan" then he is proably safe and it is the roster that needs to be worried about job security. In it for the long haul or out the door.

Yeah that's all good but the point is, does Benji have the perceived credentials amongst the Rugby League world to do this, considering his lack of experience and training.

You can have a hard line stance and all the mantra in the world of 'you're all in or you're out' but you need the respect first, which comes from experience and training.

Does he and his inexperienced team have this?

Does Benji have it in him?

 

[GNR4LIFE]

You can have all the mantra in the world of 'you're all in or out' but you need the respect first, which comes from experience and training.

If that’s the ultimatum that’s being put to the players, an alarming amount are opting out.

 

[Jolls]

Yeah that's all good but the point is, does Benji have the perceived credentials amongst the Rugby League world to do this, considering his lack of experience and training.

You can have a hard line stance and all the mantra in the world of 'you're all in or you're out' but you need the respect first, which comes from experience and training.

Does he and his inexperienced team have this?

Does Benji have it in him?

Unfortunately thay poor call was made before Richo arrived so it is what it is. We can sack him and get someone else in to start again or we acknowledge that he has been learning on the job and most of the pain should be behind us. I think he needs a mentor or a very experienced assistant to get us over the hump.