It’s now time to come home, Benji.
On the day Benji Marshall announced his retirement from rugby league, Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis revealed plans to lure the club legend back to Concord.
And Marshall may return directly onto the Wests Tigers coaching staff and reunite with the club’s two other favourite sons – Robbie Farah and Tim Sheens.
Marshall, 36, retired on Wednesday, his final game being for South Sydney in Sunday’s grand final loss to Penrith.
The Daily Telegraph has learned a selfless Marshall decided to retire several weeks ago but wanted his decision kept secret to avoid a media frenzy during Souths’ premiership bid.
While he also played for Brisbane, St George Illawarra and South Sydney in rugby league – and Auckland Blues in rugby union – Marshall has always considered him a Wests Tiger.
He had two stints at Concord, playing a total of 257 NRL games including victory in the 2005 grand final.
He wants to coach and would ultimately aim to coach at Wests Tigers, the club he cherishes. Although unlikely, Marshall could even be fast tracked and considered for the Wests Tigers assistant coaching position vacated on Monday by Shane Millard.
“He would be an incredible ambassador, mentor and coach of sorts,” Hagipantelis said. “In what capacity I do not know, these are discussions that would have to be held with the football department.
“Benji is such a unique individual and is so experienced, he would be able to coach these young players as to what is involved in being a successful NRL player. That level of experience cannot be bought.
“I’d be more than happy to sit down with him and discuss what opportunities are available within our organisation.
“Benji would be welcomed back with open arms to the Wests Tigers in some capacity. He is a 2005 brother and premiership winner so we would warmly welcome him back.
“He has roamed far and wide but Wests Tigers is his spiritual home but they always come back home.
“His association with Wests Tigers goes back many, many years and it’s an association which could never be compromised in any way, no matter what has occurred in the meantime.”
Marshall has a new two-year contract with Fox Sports but would have the time to commit to a coaching gig at Wests Tigers.
Bringing Marshall back would continue a club trend of having former players return after retirement.
Farah and former winger Pat Richards are coaching consultants while utility Chris Lawrence is employed in the club’s player wellbeing department with ex prop John Skandalis in corporate sales.
And with Sheens to start shortly as director of coaching, the trio which masterminded Wests Tigers’ famous ’05 grand final win may soon be back together again.
In his retirement speech, Marshall said: “I’d like to make extra mention of Wests Tigers, where I’m a life member. I spent the majority of my rugby league life playing for Wests Tigers. I won a competition in 2005 with them, something I will never forget.
“I’d like to make special mention of Tim Sheens. He really helped me come through and become the player that I am today. His mentorship, his coaching, his encouragement of me to be able to use my skills is second-to-none.
“I will get through today first and assess what is next from there on. I really just want to enjoy this moment, especially with my family, I suppose you could say celebrate what I have been able to achieve in my career.”
I'd love to see him in some role at Wests next year. He can build his coaching skills over time. What he would bring is the connection to younger players. As well, having him and Farah at the club - how could you not feel the passion, desire to be the best you can and love for the club. This is what our club desperately needs. Add these two to the return of Tim Sheens and you start to build a sense of belief and identity for this club. Love the bloke.
