Benji Marshall #70

[mike]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

I would hope the coach would know. It was clear to me that Benji wasn’t meant to know yet. I suspect Madge was buying some time to try and sort things out to keep Benji happy. Fortunately the club didn’t fall back into its old bad habits of letting players dictate terms and stood firm.

Or maybe Benji was meant to know and his management informed but instead of telling Benji they leaked it to the press to apply pressure on the Wests Tigers.

 

[Furious1]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

I would hope the coach would know. It was clear to me that Benji wasn’t meant to know yet. I suspect Madge was buying some time to try and sort things out to keep Benji happy. Fortunately the club didn’t fall back into its old habits of letting players dictate terms and stood firm.

Thats fine mate, and lets be clear, i have no issue with him moving on. Although if Madge was trying to buy time to keep him happy as you say then that in itself is an issue if he had already agreed with not renewing him. I have issue with how it was handled and people basically calling him out for not retiring. He is right, he still does have something to offer, just not for us.

 

[mike]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

I would hope the coach would know. It was clear to me that Benji wasn’t meant to know yet. I suspect Madge was buying some time to try and sort things out to keep Benji happy. Fortunately the club didn’t fall back into its old habits of letting players dictate terms and stood firm.

Thats fine mate, and lets be clear, i have no issue with him moving on. Although if Madge was trying to buy time to keep him happy as you say then that in itself is an issue if he had already agreed with not renewing him. I have issue with how it was handled and people basically calling him out for not retiring. He is right, he still does have something to offer, just not for us.

It’s certainly Benji’s decision when to retire, no one else’s.

 

[Russell]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

I would think it was highly likely that it was leaked by himself or his manager - then they start blaming the club and that of all things they had to find out in the media. Not saying it is correct but "it could be."

 

[mike]

Marshall is a great and we have three roster spots invested in players who don't deserve it. Marshall could have easily taken one of them and have been far more effective at lesser $.

Yah - as @dazza65 said though, it's very unfortunate we're stuck with duds on ridiculous contracts.

I have no doubt we would have kept Benji if we were able to offload Reynolds.

I don't know. Of course I would offload Reynolds (and Packer) in a second if I could, but even with JRey off the books I wouldn't have extended Benji. Benji and Brooks don't work well together as a unit - neither one of them is very good at managing a game. Benji's attack was very good at times, but defence was usually barely at pass mark and often terribly below. I'd endure with Brooks (as he may do well with a decent partner who can manage the game and take that off his shoulder's), for the next year at least, and look forward to Doueihi as the other half.

It is time for Benji to retire, and I feel the way he has rejected the opportunity WT tried to give him in honouring him is disrespectful (by not allowing his family to attend), and I suspect he will bad mouth us in he press at some point within the next few months, to further muddy his legacy.

Another Braith Anasta?

Hope not. Benji was a legend. Braith was a Bulldog.

Braith is an overrated hack.

Who broke our hearts

It still hurts. That’s the GF that Rowdy and Ellis deserved.

 

[Russell]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him.

 

[Deleted member 3518]

Again I’ll state that I love Benji and will always be grateful for all the excitement he has provided and he is a true Wests Tigers legend but... and it’s a big but he has seriously lost the plot.

If Benji truely has the best interest of the club at heart he should of just shut up and said nothing. But he couldn’t, it had to be about how he was treated. It’s all about Benji and I’m afraid to say I for one am glad your time playing for the club has come to an end. It’s no longer about what is best for Benji but what is best for the Wests Tigers and that is a Wests Tigers without Benji playing there.

From what I know about people like Benji, needing to be the centre of attention in some cases stems from an insecure childhood, and that insecurity has never been treated.
And that's a real pity as it can stuff up every day of your life.

I find this comment a little inappropriate to have on the forum. Think there's absolute no need to bring someone's childhood into it, kids can't control what's happening around them.

I think that is exactly what @MAGPIES1963 is saying.

It sounds like a psychoanalysis of someone based upon their upbringing and inadvertently brings parenting skills into it though and shouldn't be brought upp in discussion on a footy forum.

Reading way too much into it.

The comment specifically takes aim at his ego and also speculates whether it developed from an "insecure" childhood. That statement absolutely suggests an opinion of the unhealthy formation of his emotional and/or psychological state through his upbringing, and whether intentional or not ofcourse it indirectly brings the parenting skills into it.
The construction of it gives it no other meaning.

There's presently a real ugly attitude toward Benji on the forum and not all of it is footy related.
I'm mostly in agreeance with anything footy related or re:the current media circus, yet I'm a bit perplexed as to why this type of topic isn't off limits on the forum.

Hi Lauren , I think for a lot of us , we remember when benji mailed it in for 2 years , and I have to say I remember the no look passed to row 10. The reason I bring this up , is that many of us whilst love what benji has done for the club , do also remember his egoistical footy. So when the story released implies more ego , when the man is clearly done , gets under a lot of people’s skin.
Also for those bringing up try assists as a stat, there was clear regression in defence when benji hurt his ankle earlier this year. From then on , whilst trying his best , he has been a turnstile in defence . And in my honest opinion , having seen ADs performance on the weekend , and the attacking structure we play , I’m not sure how many of those assists are ? attributed to benji , or to really good attacking structures by Millard, and Madge .
Is it 50%,?25%? are plays only benji could have set up ?

I say this not to be disrespectful but , in 2020 having hLves who can tackle , and chip to the corner can win you football matches. Basically chad Townsend has made a career off this , and people we’re talking up Lachlan Lewis for basically the same. Whether people like it or not , the storm riff , and Roosters are the clear best 3 teams not because they’re that much better in attack than everyone else , but because they’re infinitely better in defence.
It’s why for me , I was out on benji like 6 weeks ago. I honestly think we could have made a run to the semis if he WASNT in the team.
And I don’t think I’m alone in that thought .

 

[BZN]

Again I’ll state that I love Benji and will always be grateful for all the excitement he has provided and he is a true Wests Tigers legend but... and it’s a big but he has seriously lost the plot.

If Benji truely has the best interest of the club at heart he should of just shut up and said nothing. But he couldn’t, it had to be about how he was treated. It’s all about Benji and I’m afraid to say I for one am glad your time playing for the club has come to an end. It’s no longer about what is best for Benji but what is best for the Wests Tigers and that is a Wests Tigers without Benji playing there.

From what I know about people like Benji, needing to be the centre of attention in some cases stems from an insecure childhood, and that insecurity has never been treated.
And that's a real pity as it can stuff up every day of your life.

I find this comment a little inappropriate to have on the forum. Think there's absolute no need to bring someone's childhood into it, kids can't control what's happening around them.

I think that is exactly what @MAGPIES1963 is saying.

It sounds like a psychoanalysis of someone based upon their upbringing and inadvertently brings parenting skills into it though and shouldn't be brought upp in discussion on a footy forum.

My apologies @Lauren if I have upset you, or anyone else for that matter....just another one of my badly worded posts.
I certainly wasn't trying to denigrate anyone.
I guess I was just using Benji as an example of what 'can' happen in early childhood. I know someone in that very situation.... even though that person denies it and has therefore never sought treatment, many peoples lives are being adversely effected because of it.
I Very Much hope I have got my wording right this time.

 

[tony soprano]

Again I’ll state that I love Benji and will always be grateful for all the excitement he has provided and he is a true Wests Tigers legend but... and it’s a big but he has seriously lost the plot.

If Benji truely has the best interest of the club at heart he should of just shut up and said nothing. But he couldn’t, it had to be about how he was treated. It’s all about Benji and I’m afraid to say I for one am glad your time playing for the club has come to an end. It’s no longer about what is best for Benji but what is best for the Wests Tigers and that is a Wests Tigers without Benji playing there.

From what I know about people like Benji, needing to be the centre of attention in some cases stems from an insecure childhood, and that insecurity has never been treated.
And that's a real pity as it can stuff up every day of your life.

I find this comment a little inappropriate to have on the forum. Think there's absolute no need to bring someone's childhood into it, kids can't control what's happening around them.

I think that is exactly what @MAGPIES1963 is saying.

It sounds like a psychoanalysis of someone based upon their upbringing and inadvertently brings parenting skills into it though and shouldn't be brought upp in discussion on a footy forum.

Reading way too much into it.

The comment specifically takes aim at his ego and also speculates whether it developed from an "insecure" childhood. That statement absolutely suggests an opinion of the unhealthy formation of his emotional and/or psychological state through his upbringing, and whether intentional or not ofcourse it indirectly brings the parenting skills into it.
The construction of it gives it no other meaning.

There's presently a real ugly attitude toward Benji on the forum and not all of it is footy related.
I'm mostly in agreeance with anything footy related or re:the current media circus, yet I'm a bit perplexed as to why this type of topic isn't off limits on the forum.

Hi Lauren , I think for a lot of us , we remember when benji mailed it in for 2 years , and I have to say I remember the no look passed to row 10. The reason I bring this up , is that many of us whilst love what benji has done for the club , do also remember his egoistical footy. So when the story released implies more ego , when the man is clearly done , gets under a lot of people’s skin.
Also for those bringing up try assists as a stat, there was clear regression in defence when benji hurt his ankle earlier this year. From then on , whilst trying his best , he has been a turnstile in defence . And in my honest opinion , having seen ADs performance on the weekend , and the attacking structure we play , I’m not sure how many of those assists are ? attributed to benji , or to really good attacking structures by Millard, and Madge .
Is it 50%,?25%? are plays only benji could have set up ?

I say this not to be disrespectful but , in 2020 having hLves who can tackle , and chip to the corner can win you football matches. Basically chad Townsend has made a career off this , and people we’re talking up Lachlan Lewis for basically the same. Whether people like it or not , the storm riff , and Roosters are the clear best 3 teams not because they’re that much better in attack than everyone else , but because they’re infinitely better in defence.
It’s why for me , I was out on benji like 6 weeks ago. I honestly think we could have made a run to the semis if he WASNT in the team.
And I don’t think I’m alone in that thought .

Well said mate

 

[tony soprano]

What a sook didn’t want his wife and kids there

 

[Furious1]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

**I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him**.

Not so sure on that Russ. One of the criticisms of Madge has actually been that he doesn't tell players things. There has also been some shenanigans going on with other not so big name players being told things multiple times only to have it changed a few weeks later. There is a disconnect there somewhere.

 

[cochise]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

**I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him**.

Not so sure on that Russ. One of the criticisms of Madge has actually been that he doesn't tell players things. There has also been some shenanigans going on with other not so big name players being told things multiple times only to have it changed a few weeks later. There is a disconnect there somewhere.

So a guy that many are claiming is too hard on players is now scared to have tough conversations, that makes no sense to me.

 

[tony soprano]

Main point is who is leaking this info to Chammas?

 

[Furious1]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

**I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him**.

Not so sure on that Russ. One of the criticisms of Madge has actually been that he doesn't tell players things. There has also been some shenanigans going on with other not so big name players being told things multiple times only to have it changed a few weeks later. There is a disconnect there somewhere.

So a guy that many are claiming is too hard on players is now scared to have tough conversations, that makes no sense to me.

An exert from the Sydney Morning herald

By Michael Chammas
September 1, 2020 — 7.58pm

There's also a perception among the playing group that the coach avoids confrontation. It was evident again during the week when Marshall walked into Maguire's office on Monday and strongly suggested he should play on in 2021 at the Tigers.

Maguire, despite playing a leading hand in the decision not to extend the club legend, left the door ajar and told Marshall to give him 24 hours to see if he could do anything else.
The club, already booked in for a meeting with his manager later that day, didn't budge on the original decision. but Marshall was left disappointed that Maguire couldn't tell it how it was.

 

[cochise]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

**I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him**.

Not so sure on that Russ. One of the criticisms of Madge has actually been that he doesn't tell players things. There has also been some shenanigans going on with other not so big name players being told things multiple times only to have it changed a few weeks later. There is a disconnect there somewhere.

So a guy that many are claiming is too hard on players is now scared to have tough conversations, that makes no sense to me.

An exert from the Sydney Morning herald

By Michael Chammas
September 1, 2020 — 7.58pm

There's also a perception among the playing group that the coach avoids confrontation. It was evident again during the week when Marshall walked into Maguire's office on Monday and strongly suggested he should play on in 2021 at the Tigers.

Maguire, despite playing a leading hand in the decision not to extend the club legend, left the door ajar and told Marshall to give him 24 hours to see if he could do anything else.

That doesn't make it fact, how do you think the media got all this info?

 

[Furious1]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

**I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him**.

Not so sure on that Russ. One of the criticisms of Madge has actually been that he doesn't tell players things. There has also been some shenanigans going on with other not so big name players being told things multiple times only to have it changed a few weeks later. There is a disconnect there somewhere.

So a guy that many are claiming is too hard on players is now scared to have tough conversations, that makes no sense to me.

An exert from the Sydney Morning herald

By Michael Chammas
September 1, 2020 — 7.58pm

There's also a perception among the playing group that the coach avoids confrontation. It was evident again during the week when Marshall walked into Maguire's office on Monday and strongly suggested he should play on in 2021 at the Tigers.

Maguire, despite playing a leading hand in the decision not to extend the club legend, left the door ajar and told Marshall to give him 24 hours to see if he could do anything else.

That doesn't make it fact, how do you think the media got all this info?

Sorry mate added a bit more while you were replying. I don't know it's fact. You told me Maguire not being direct didn't make sense to you, and i gave you a snippet to support my argument of that perception. I have also been told by a current player the same things. Doesn't make it fact either. So just believe what you will.

 

[cochise]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

**I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him**.

Not so sure on that Russ. One of the criticisms of Madge has actually been that he doesn't tell players things. There has also been some shenanigans going on with other not so big name players being told things multiple times only to have it changed a few weeks later. There is a disconnect there somewhere.

So a guy that many are claiming is too hard on players is now scared to have tough conversations, that makes no sense to me.

An exert from the Sydney Morning herald

By Michael Chammas
September 1, 2020 — 7.58pm

There's also a perception among the playing group that the coach avoids confrontation. It was evident again during the week when Marshall walked into Maguire's office on Monday and strongly suggested he should play on in 2021 at the Tigers.

Maguire, despite playing a leading hand in the decision not to extend the club legend, left the door ajar and told Marshall to give him 24 hours to see if he could do anything else.

That doesn't make it fact, how do you think the media got all this info?

Sorry mate added a bit more while you were replying. I don't know it's fact. You told me Maguire not being direct didn't make sense to you, and i gave you a snippet to support my argument of that perception. I have also been told by a current player the same things. Doesn't make it fact either. So just believe what you will.

Yeah, I just find it really strange that someone who has a rep for pushing players too hard also avoids confrontation. I have known some hard coaches and managers over the years and not one of them was scared to have those conversations, in fact most of them were too blunt and burnt relationships.

It was also evident when Benji was dropped earlier in the year that he clearly knew that defense was the issue and he spoke about how he liked how honest Madge was when they spoke. I absolutely love Benji and I am always defending him, to the point of being ridiculed but something smells fishy here.

 

[Lauren]

Again I’ll state that I love Benji and will always be grateful for all the excitement he has provided and he is a true Wests Tigers legend but... and it’s a big but he has seriously lost the plot.

If Benji truely has the best interest of the club at heart he should of just shut up and said nothing. But he couldn’t, it had to be about how he was treated. It’s all about Benji and I’m afraid to say I for one am glad your time playing for the club has come to an end. It’s no longer about what is best for Benji but what is best for the Wests Tigers and that is a Wests Tigers without Benji playing there.

From what I know about people like Benji, needing to be the centre of attention in some cases stems from an insecure childhood, and that insecurity has never been treated.
And that's a real pity as it can stuff up every day of your life.

I find this comment a little inappropriate to have on the forum. Think there's absolute no need to bring someone's childhood into it, kids can't control what's happening around them.

I think that is exactly what @MAGPIES1963 is saying.

It sounds like a psychoanalysis of someone based upon their upbringing and inadvertently brings parenting skills into it though and shouldn't be brought upp in discussion on a footy forum.

Reading way too much into it.

The comment specifically takes aim at his ego and also speculates whether it developed from an "insecure" childhood. That statement absolutely suggests an opinion of the unhealthy formation of his emotional and/or psychological state through his upbringing, and whether intentional or not ofcourse it indirectly brings the parenting skills into it.
The construction of it gives it no other meaning.

There's presently a real ugly attitude toward Benji on the forum and not all of it is footy related.
I'm mostly in agreeance with anything footy related or re:the current media circus, yet I'm a bit perplexed as to why this type of topic isn't off limits on the forum.

You always have the foe option at your disposal if you don’t like what people are saying.

Cheers @mike though I actually don't like to consider anyone a foe on here. Let's call it a truce...for now anyway?
FYI while I may not agree with everything I'm weirdly the type of person who would not be able to do that to someone on here. I respect each opinion and like reading everyone's opinion no matter how different they are.

 

[JC99]

I don't really understand the issue. He is disappointed to not be renewed ( fair enough), bitterly disappointed he found out through the media ( disgraceful really) and wants to play on. He was ( and still may be, i'm too lazy to look) leading the NRL in try assists. Not bad for a 35 year old. The guy is a horrible defensive player, but put that attacking statistic into perspective. A man who is 35 years old and plays in the team that came 11th has/had more try assists then at least four SOO halves who are at the peak of their powers. Players that are playing in far better teams then ours.
Now there is no doubt in my mind that Benji will be a defensive liability wherever he ends up and the media would never have allowed him to be a second stringer here, but he will be a handy pick up for a club where he will be allowed to fulfill that role. The fact on Saturday night he made it about Lawrence and not himself knowing Chris would never play another game is a good thing. He didn't want his family with him because like any other player that is changing clubs, it's not the end.He has every right to play on. They will be with him when he does hang up the boots. For those saying he is sulking, i don't see it. I see a guy who is filthy at finding out through the media he is being moved on and rightly so. And quite frankly he is not the only player treated extremely poorly by our club in the last month. There's a starting point for what we are stand for as opposed to what we should stand for. (another topic i know)

Benji’s disappointment and anger should be directed at his management and not the Wests Tigers. I have very little doubt that his management were responsible for the leaks and why he found out through the press, with his management trying to put pressure on the Wests Tigers to re-sign Benji which blew up in Benji’s managements faces.

You don't think it's strange that a player reads something, goes to the HEAD coach and basically says WTF? to be told give me 24 hrs and i'll let you know? Surely Madge knew. Even if the manager leaked it, at least have the balls when you get confronted to own up. Like i said elsewhere, you can't expect honesty and accountability if you don't abide by the same ethos.

Madge probably knew that he was not going to be renewed - however he would have had to consult with Hartigan and Pascoe, especially when it concerned a club legend. He couldn't just take it upon himself to say "You're out!"

**I don't think Madge would have been afraid to say anything at all to him**.

Not so sure on that Russ. One of the criticisms of Madge has actually been that he doesn't tell players things. There has also been some shenanigans going on with other not so big name players being told things multiple times only to have it changed a few weeks later. There is a disconnect there somewhere.

So a guy that many are claiming is too hard on players is now scared to have tough conversations, that makes no sense to me.

An exert from the Sydney Morning herald

By Michael Chammas
September 1, 2020 — 7.58pm

There's also a perception among the playing group that the coach avoids confrontation. It was evident again during the week when Marshall walked into Maguire's office on Monday and strongly suggested he should play on in 2021 at the Tigers.

Maguire, despite playing a leading hand in the decision not to extend the club legend, left the door ajar and told Marshall to give him 24 hours to see if he could do anything else.

That doesn't make it fact, how do you think the media got all this info?

Sorry mate added a bit more while you were replying. I don't know it's fact. You told me Maguire not being direct didn't make sense to you, and i gave you a snippet to support my argument of that perception. I have also been told by a current player the same things. Doesn't make it fact either. So just believe what you will.

Yeah, I just find it really strange that someone who has a rep for pushing players too hard also avoids confrontation. I have known some hard coaches and managers over the years and not one of them was scared to have those conversations, in fact most of them were too blunt and burnt relationships.

It was also evident when Benji was dropped earlier in the year that he clearly knew that defense was the issue and he spoke about how he liked how honest Madge was when they spoke. I absolutely love Benji and I am always defending him, to the point of being ridiculed but something smells fishy here.

Literally every player says Madge is extremely honest with them in interviews without even being asked most of the time. He does not seem like a guy who’s scared to talk to his players it goes against everything the bloke is about.

 

[mike]

Again I’ll state that I love Benji and will always be grateful for all the excitement he has provided and he is a true Wests Tigers legend but... and it’s a big but he has seriously lost the plot.

If Benji truely has the best interest of the club at heart he should of just shut up and said nothing. But he couldn’t, it had to be about how he was treated. It’s all about Benji and I’m afraid to say I for one am glad your time playing for the club has come to an end. It’s no longer about what is best for Benji but what is best for the Wests Tigers and that is a Wests Tigers without Benji playing there.

From what I know about people like Benji, needing to be the centre of attention in some cases stems from an insecure childhood, and that insecurity has never been treated.
And that's a real pity as it can stuff up every day of your life.

I find this comment a little inappropriate to have on the forum. Think there's absolute no need to bring someone's childhood into it, kids can't control what's happening around them.

I think that is exactly what @MAGPIES1963 is saying.

It sounds like a psychoanalysis of someone based upon their upbringing and inadvertently brings parenting skills into it though and shouldn't be brought upp in discussion on a footy forum.

Reading way too much into it.

The comment specifically takes aim at his ego and also speculates whether it developed from an "insecure" childhood. That statement absolutely suggests an opinion of the unhealthy formation of his emotional and/or psychological state through his upbringing, and whether intentional or not ofcourse it indirectly brings the parenting skills into it.
The construction of it gives it no other meaning.

There's presently a real ugly attitude toward Benji on the forum and not all of it is footy related.
I'm mostly in agreeance with anything footy related or re:the current media circus, yet I'm a bit perplexed as to why this type of topic isn't off limits on the forum.

You always have the foe option at your disposal if you don’t like what people are saying.

Cheers @mike though I actually don't like to consider anyone a foe on here. Let's call it a truce...for now anyway?
FYI while I may not agree with everything I'm weirdly the type of person who would not be able to do that to someone on here. I respect each opinion and like reading everyone's opinion no matter how different they are.

I’m dumb, I didn’t know we were at war, but hey a truce is OK with me. ?