Benji Marshall #70

[bptiger 0]

Since when do clubs come out and divulge which players they are and aren’t interested in?

For god sake I am been looking from afar , I know that it will never happen but u would love to hear a SMALL leak that it’s happening, now what can u pick out of that statement

 

[LARDS]

That article just shows how much power the agents have.
And how weak the previous admin was to take advise from them on sacking coaches.

 

[davey_farrell]

Excerpt from the story: Fulton had discredited Marshall’s coaching ability. They’ve responded in recent weeks by cutting ties with some of the young players Fulton brought to the club.

I wonder who the young players are we have cut ties with that Fulton brought over?

exactly that was the big one that i got out of the article, we cant lose Latu or Samuella, frightening that Bud will be on 600k

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

exactly that was the big one that i got out of the article, we cant lose Latu or Samuella, frightening that Bud will be on 600k

He brought a few over to SG Ball such as winger Calvin Levy & Roy Mapasua who both are decent players. Be interesting to see if they line up in junior reps over the finals rounds.

 

[W.Boland_c]

It was obvious things would turn to mud with Fulton.
Appointed in secret.
Recruited whoever he wanted to so that relationships were kept.
Refused direction from his superiors.
Arguing with head coach and staff.
Snitching to the media.
Rude arrogant arsehole just like his father.

The more I hear about these dynamics, the happier I am that Benji stood his ground and ultimately said 'No More'. Mourinho has a saying, "One bad orange will spoil the whole box'.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

That article just shows how much power the agents have.
And how weak the previous admin was to take advise from them on sacking coaches.

It’s ridiculous. It’s almost as if they make the decisions in terms of which teams players will go to.

 

[liltiger]

SMH - BS on every level’: Why Benji has been caught in the crossfire​

Michael Chammas Tuesday 19th March. 2024

It’s not uncommon for Wests Tigers fans to think there’s an agenda against them. The conspiracy theorists wearing Tigers jerseys will tell you that because they rate so well with readers, media organisations see them as the Taylor Swift of NRL clubs.

That’s partly true. There are very few fanbrs that devour content like success-starved Wests Tigers fans who, after more than a decade in the doldrums, struggle to tell the hero from the villain.

The Benji Marshall Wests Tigers’ coaching era officially kicked off on Saturday.CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

But on this occasion they may have a point. Was it coincidence that leading into Benji Marshall’s first game in charge of his beloved Tigers, a News Corp article questioning his work ethic appeared online just 48 hours before he was to front his first press conference?

The Tigers don’t think so, nor does Marshall.

The Tigers are angry about is what they deem an attempt to undermine him by a disgruntled ex-employee who has made no secret of his views on Marshall’s coaching ability – or a perceived lack thereof – to anyone who would care to listen. This columnist included.

We’re not talking about former chief executive Justin Pascoe or ex-chairman Lee Hagipantelis.

From left: Justin Pascoe, Benji Marshall and Lee Hagipantelis.CREDIT: MARIJA ERCEGOVAC.

We’re talking about the feud between Marshall and former recruitment manager Scott Fulton, the son of rugby league immortal Bob Fulton.

Scott Fulton, in his time at the Tigers before he departed following the arrival of new CEO Shane Richardson in January, raised internally the same concerns about Marshall’s work ethic that were mentioned in The Daily Telegrapharticle last week.

Marshall has been around the game a long time and knows who speaks to whom. It’s why he, and the Tigers hierarchy, are convinced Fulton has been trying to undermine him.

“We’ve got our agenda and we’re working towards it,” new Tigers boss Shane Richardson said on Monday.

Interim Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson.CREDIT: DEAN SEWELL

“We’re not going to be blown off our path by criticism that is just not true. We just keep going forward. It’s just bullshit on every level.

At the end of the day, in my experience with coaches for over 30 years, Benji is as diligent and committed to it as anyone.”
Fulton, when contacted by this masthead on Monday, declined to comment when asked if he’d passed on the information to reporters.

Tension between Fulton and Marshall extends back to the time of his appointment, which was orchestrated by the club’s former management without consulting Marshall or Tim Sheens.

They’ve been clashing ever since. Fulton, who grew up at Manly knowing only the hard-nosed approach to coaching of his father and later Des Hasler, struggled to comprehend Marshall’s contemporary methods.

Bob Fulton (centre) during his coaching days in 1986.CREDIT: ROBERT PEARCE

Marshall, meanwhile, thought Fulton was trouble, because he espoused a style of coaching the Tigers had rebelled against under Michael Maguire, who tried to instil an intensity that didn’t work with the playing roster. Marshall was one of them.
Marshall, having watched the impact Maguire’s coaching style had on his teammates, is doing things differently.

A more relaxed approach has been misconstrued as an unwillingness to dedicate the time required to be successful.
A commitment to his family to be present when he’s at home has been interpreted as a distraction. It couldn’t be further from the message Marshall, who grew up without a father, is trying to convey to his young players who idolise him.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall shares a light moment at training with his possible heir apparent Lachlan Galvin.CREDIT: RHETT WYMAN

“Because he doesn’t work 14 hours a day and wants he and his players to have a family life, it’s a good thing not a bad thing,” Richardson said. “I wish I had learnt that 20 years earlier. It would have saved me a lot of grief in my own personal life. What he’s trying to do is instil a balance between life and work and I think he’s got it.

“I’ve seen Madge [Michael Maguire], I’ve seen Anthony Seibold, I’ve seen Jason Taylor … I’ve seen them all. At the end of the day, there is no one, in my time, that is more thorough and organised than Benji is. Somewhere between Madge and Wayne Bennett is Benji, and that’s not a bad thing.”

This isn’t a defence of Marshall. For the record, he hasn’t picked up this columnist’s calls in almost two years. It’s an insight into the machinations of how the rugby league news cycle tends to work.
The first issue between Marshall and Fulton revolved around the pursuit of enigmatic Sea Eagles forward Josh Schuster.

Marshall was adamant he did not want him at the club despite Fulton’s long-standing relationship with both Schuster and his manager Mario Tartak, who eventually secured an $800,000-a-season deal for his client to remain at Manly despite little interest elsewhere in his services.

Tartak, who used to manage Marshall as a player, was the one who recommended Fulton for the job at the Tigers.

Marshall later learned that Tartak and Daniel O’Loughlin, the agent of Tigers forward Stefano Utoikamanu, had organised a meeting with Hagipantelis to raise concerns about the development of their players under the Tim Sheens-Marshall coaching regime.

The agents sought assurances from the club that there would be change within the coaching staff for next season in response to concerns their players had raised. They also raised doubts over sending other players to the club under the current structure.

Within weeks, Sheens was gone as part of a coaching shake-up that culminated in Marshall being handed the top job a year earlier than planned.

Tigers captain Api Koroisau, coach Benji Marshall and his assistant John Morris.CREDIT: GETTY

It also led to the signature of highly regarded brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu, both managed by Tartak and who had previously been recruited to Manly by Fulton. Jayden Sullivan, another Tartak client, would also sign with the Tigers soon after.

Sullivan, who was replaced in the second half of the Tigers loss to Canberra, is on a deal worth $600,000 in the final years of the contract. His future is uncertain with Jarome Luai on his way to Tiger Town and expected to partner either Latu Fainu or boom rookie Lachlan Galvin in the halves.

Tension between the pair reached its apogee due to the signing of halfback Aiden Sezer over Jack Cogger. Fulton wanted Cogger but the new coach chose the former English Super League player, who is signed with Marshall’s manager Matt Desira.

Marshall believed Fulton’s godfather, Peter Peters, had intimated on radio that he preferred to pursue the signature of Sezer because Marshall owned a 15 per cent share in Desira’s company, a claim the manager denies.

Aidan Sezer in action for the Wests Tigers.CREDIT: GETTY

That incident came just weeks after Desira met with the club to raise concerns about Fulton’s role.

Ever since Fulton departed in January during a heated phone call with Richardson, the club has been expecting blowback.

Fulton had discredited Marshall’s coaching ability. They’ve responded in recent weeks by cutting ties with some of the young players Fulton brought to the club.

The noise, as has long been the case at the Wests Tigers, is loud. No one knows that more than Marshall.

The answer is simple: Win and the noise goes away. That, as has long been the case at the Wests Tigers, is sometimes easier said than done.

Just like a game of thrones 🤷

 

[Lestronge]

I didn't mind his arrogance, I think it's needed in some roles to survive....
I did wonder where it came from, He did absolutely F*ck All in the game...
(Unless you count winning the Group 11 title)?

If it wasn't for his old man, He'd probably be a painter or a plumber...

His old man ! It literally came from the never ending nepotism afforded him and his family at manly !

 

[Tucker]

The more I hear about these dynamics, the happier I am that Benji stood his ground and ultimately said 'No More'. Mourinho has a saying, "One bad orange will spoil the whole box'.

I’ve been quite vocal about my worries involving Benji as coach.
However this side of the job he has been superb in.

 

[Tucker]

It’s ridiculous. It’s almost as if they make the decisions in terms of which teams players will go to.

Do you doubt this is the case?
Most young players would trust their advice.

 

[davey_farrell]

exactly that was the big one that i got out of the article, we cant lose Latu or Samuella, frightening that Bud will be on 600k

thanks for letting me know i wasnt aware of those boys

 

[BAGNF05]

We are outmatched on paper, particularly in the backs with the likes of Mulitalo, Ramien and Talakai being hard to handle one on one. We are the clear wooden spoon favourites, they are undefeated in two games.

^^This is your weekly reminder that the coach can only do so much with the cattle he has to pick from.

 

[Halbrowne61]

We are outmatched on paper, particularly in the backs with the likes of Mulitalo, Ramien and Talakai being hard to handle one on one. We are the clear wooden spoon favourites, they are undefeated in two games.

^^This is your weekly reminder that the coach can only do so much with the cattle he has to pick from.

Lucky games aren’t played on paper !
We are heavy underdogs but just hope we play to potential and push them all the way. That would somewhat of a win in itself.

 

[Tcat]

Only way to shut the scum jounos up as well as Fulton is to start winning some games Benji. NRL journolism is about as weak as it gets atm and the only thing they know how to do, is lay the boot into struggling clubs. Absolute parasites of our game. Surprise surprise, Dean Ritchie rephrasing the same shit as Chammas.

 

[TIGERS]

SMH - BS on every level’: Why Benji has been caught in the crossfire​

Michael Chammas Tuesday 19th March. 2024

It’s not uncommon for Wests Tigers fans to think there’s an agenda against them. The conspiracy theorists wearing Tigers jerseys will tell you that because they rate so well with readers, media organisations see them as the Taylor Swift of NRL clubs.

That’s partly true. There are very few fanbrs that devour content like success-starved Wests Tigers fans who, after more than a decade in the doldrums, struggle to tell the hero from the villain.

The Benji Marshall Wests Tigers’ coaching era officially kicked off on Saturday.CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

But on this occasion they may have a point. Was it coincidence that leading into Benji Marshall’s first game in charge of his beloved Tigers, a News Corp article questioning his work ethic appeared online just 48 hours before he was to front his first press conference?

The Tigers don’t think so, nor does Marshall.

The Tigers are angry about is what they deem an attempt to undermine him by a disgruntled ex-employee who has made no secret of his views on Marshall’s coaching ability – or a perceived lack thereof – to anyone who would care to listen. This columnist included.

We’re not talking about former chief executive Justin Pascoe or ex-chairman Lee Hagipantelis.

From left: Justin Pascoe, Benji Marshall and Lee Hagipantelis.CREDIT: MARIJA ERCEGOVAC.

We’re talking about the feud between Marshall and former recruitment manager Scott Fulton, the son of rugby league immortal Bob Fulton.

Scott Fulton, in his time at the Tigers before he departed following the arrival of new CEO Shane Richardson in January, raised internally the same concerns about Marshall’s work ethic that were mentioned in The Daily Telegrapharticle last week.

Marshall has been around the game a long time and knows who speaks to whom. It’s why he, and the Tigers hierarchy, are convinced Fulton has been trying to undermine him.

“We’ve got our agenda and we’re working towards it,” new Tigers boss Shane Richardson said on Monday.

Interim Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson.CREDIT: DEAN SEWELL

“We’re not going to be blown off our path by criticism that is just not true. We just keep going forward. It’s just bullshit on every level.

At the end of the day, in my experience with coaches for over 30 years, Benji is as diligent and committed to it as anyone.”
Fulton, when contacted by this masthead on Monday, declined to comment when asked if he’d passed on the information to reporters.

Tension between Fulton and Marshall extends back to the time of his appointment, which was orchestrated by the club’s former management without consulting Marshall or Tim Sheens.

They’ve been clashing ever since. Fulton, who grew up at Manly knowing only the hard-nosed approach to coaching of his father and later Des Hasler, struggled to comprehend Marshall’s contemporary methods.

Bob Fulton (centre) during his coaching days in 1986.CREDIT: ROBERT PEARCE

Marshall, meanwhile, thought Fulton was trouble, because he espoused a style of coaching the Tigers had rebelled against under Michael Maguire, who tried to instil an intensity that didn’t work with the playing roster. Marshall was one of them.
Marshall, having watched the impact Maguire’s coaching style had on his teammates, is doing things differently.

A more relaxed approach has been misconstrued as an unwillingness to dedicate the time required to be successful.
A commitment to his family to be present when he’s at home has been interpreted as a distraction. It couldn’t be further from the message Marshall, who grew up without a father, is trying to convey to his young players who idolise him.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall shares a light moment at training with his possible heir apparent Lachlan Galvin.CREDIT: RHETT WYMAN

“Because he doesn’t work 14 hours a day and wants he and his players to have a family life, it’s a good thing not a bad thing,” Richardson said. “I wish I had learnt that 20 years earlier. It would have saved me a lot of grief in my own personal life. What he’s trying to do is instil a balance between life and work and I think he’s got it.

“I’ve seen Madge [Michael Maguire], I’ve seen Anthony Seibold, I’ve seen Jason Taylor … I’ve seen them all. At the end of the day, there is no one, in my time, that is more thorough and organised than Benji is. Somewhere between Madge and Wayne Bennett is Benji, and that’s not a bad thing.”

This isn’t a defence of Marshall. For the record, he hasn’t picked up this columnist’s calls in almost two years. It’s an insight into the machinations of how the rugby league news cycle tends to work.
The first issue between Marshall and Fulton revolved around the pursuit of enigmatic Sea Eagles forward Josh Schuster.

Marshall was adamant he did not want him at the club despite Fulton’s long-standing relationship with both Schuster and his manager Mario Tartak, who eventually secured an $800,000-a-season deal for his client to remain at Manly despite little interest elsewhere in his services.

Tartak, who used to manage Marshall as a player, was the one who recommended Fulton for the job at the Tigers.

Marshall later learned that Tartak and Daniel O’Loughlin, the agent of Tigers forward Stefano Utoikamanu, had organised a meeting with Hagipantelis to raise concerns about the development of their players under the Tim Sheens-Marshall coaching regime.

The agents sought assurances from the club that there would be change within the coaching staff for next season in response to concerns their players had raised. They also raised doubts over sending other players to the club under the current structure.

Within weeks, Sheens was gone as part of a coaching shake-up that culminated in Marshall being handed the top job a year earlier than planned.

Tigers captain Api Koroisau, coach Benji Marshall and his assistant John Morris.CREDIT: GETTY

It also led to the signature of highly regarded brothers Latu and Samuela Fainu, both managed by Tartak and who had previously been recruited to Manly by Fulton. Jayden Sullivan, another Tartak client, would also sign with the Tigers soon after.

Sullivan, who was replaced in the second half of the Tigers loss to Canberra, is on a deal worth $600,000 in the final years of the contract. His future is uncertain with Jarome Luai on his way to Tiger Town and expected to partner either Latu Fainu or boom rookie Lachlan Galvin in the halves.

Tension between the pair reached its apogee due to the signing of halfback Aiden Sezer over Jack Cogger. Fulton wanted Cogger but the new coach chose the former English Super League player, who is signed with Marshall’s manager Matt Desira.

Marshall believed Fulton’s godfather, Peter Peters, had intimated on radio that he preferred to pursue the signature of Sezer because Marshall owned a 15 per cent share in Desira’s company, a claim the manager denies.

Aidan Sezer in action for the Wests Tigers.CREDIT: GETTY

That incident came just weeks after Desira met with the club to raise concerns about Fulton’s role.

Ever since Fulton departed in January during a heated phone call with Richardson, the club has been expecting blowback.

Fulton had discredited Marshall’s coaching ability. They’ve responded in recent weeks by cutting ties with some of the young players Fulton brought to the club.

The noise, as has long been the case at the Wests Tigers, is loud. No one knows that more than Marshall.

The answer is simple: Win and the noise goes away. That, as has long been the case at the Wests Tigers, is sometimes easier said than done.

Shane Richardson is like a rugby league Gandalf. Thank god we have him, and whoever convinced him to join us deserves a medal.

 

[BAGNF05]

Only way to shut the scum jounos up as well as Fulton is to start winning some games Benji. NRL journolism is about as weak as it gets atm and the only thing they know how to do, is lay the boot into struggling clubs. Absolute parasites of our game. Surprise surprise, Dean Ritchie rephrasing the same shit as Chammas.

Noticed Richie throwing up defamation on NRL360. Think he’s had a few too many Vinos with Gadget.

 

[Lauren]

‘Fans are sick of this’: Tigers slammed over ‘insulting’ Benji conspiracy theory​

Tigers urged to focus on football | 01:35

Fox League from Fox Sports
March 20th, 2024 10:08 am
The Wests Tigers have been accused of placing too much focus on “outside noise” and not enough on their on field performance.
The claim was made on Tuesday night’s episode of NRL 360 after The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie revealed he was “insulted” over a story written by the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Tigers and Benji Marshall were in the headlines last week when Ritchie penned a column questioning whether the rookie coach’s unique style will work in the NRL.

The SMH’s Michael Chammas somewhat returned serve on Monday two days after the club lost their season opener against the Raiders 32-12.

Chammas wrote that the timing of Ritchie’s article was poor considering it was just before Marshall’s coaching debut. He also claimed a former high-ranking club official was the source behind the story.

“Was it coincidence that leading into Benji Marshall’s first game in charge of his beloved Tigers, a News Corp article questioning his work ethic appeared online just 48 hours before he was to front his first press conference? The Tigers don’t think so, nor does Marshall,” wrote Chammas.

“The Tigers are angry about what they deem an attempt to undermine him by a disgruntled ex-employee who has made no secret of his views on Marshall’s coaching ability – or a perceived lack thereof – to anyone who would care to listen. This columnist included.”

Chammas claimed this ex-employee was former Tigers recruitment manager Scott Fulton.

Appearing on NRL360, Ritchie fired back claiming Fulton was “falsely blamed for his alleged contribution”.

“The story said Scott Fulton had influence in what I had written. I found the assumption discrediting to me. Scott Fulton played no role in that story,” Ritchie said on NRL 360.

“For the Herald, via the Wests Tigers, to say that Scott had influenced me is wrong and insulting.

“Scott Fulton’s trying to find a job in rugby league. This is incredibly damaging to him.”

NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent said it was yet another example of the Tigers looking to “blame agendas against them” when external pressure is put on the club.

“I don’t want to keep going down this track, but they have bigger problems than us at the moment,” Kent said.

“This is a common theme out of the Tigers that whenever they start getting criticised, they blame agendas against them.

“The fact is, go and fix up your rucks at the moment. Go and find some intent in your defence.”

Braith Anasta agreed that the Tigers’ focus was misplaced and it has been for “too long”.

“That’s what I take from this. You come off a bad loss, don’t worry about the media, don’t worry about the noise, focus about what’s happening inside the four walls,” he said.

“The Tigers have done that for too long, responding and reacting to stories.”

“Bulldog wrote the story before the game and they were reacting to it before the game and even then the stories were getting around about agendas.

“The fact is, their focus is always in the wrong spot the Tigers. It’s always about protecting their backsides rather than going out and getting the work done on the paddock.

“Unfortunately for Tigers fans, this is just more of the same and until they recognise that and look at themselves and go, ‘we are the only ones who can fix this problem, we are the only ones who can turn around this whole interpretation people have got of us’.

“No one else can make you think differently about the Tigers except the Tigers when they start winning. It’s the only think that will work.”

“The fans are sick of this,” The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio added.

‘Fans are sick of this’: Tigers slammed over ‘insulting’ Benji conspiracy theory

‘Fans are sick of this’: Tigers slammed over ‘insulting’ Benji conspiracy theory

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Feline Carrier]

I wish I could accuse Dean Ritchie of being a journalist...

 

[Lauren]

Nine's Wide World of Sports, Match Results & Live Scores

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wwos.nine.com.au

 

[BAGNF05]

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I hope they give him at least three. This year we are a bottom four side. Next year Luai will be finding his feet. 2026 will be a true test of his ability to assemble the roster around Luai. Giving up before then is just more instability and sets us back years.