Coach Benji 👑

twentyforty said:
I think Ricky won 2 GFs in his first 2 seasons as a coach? Not bad for a rookie coach, but then again he didn’t have to constantly deal with gremlins white anting him. Both at Bulldogs and Roosters.
When Benji found himself the ‘last man standing who wouldn’t trade success for mediocre’ his reaction caused half the team to reconsider their future at Tigers. On the richter it’s up there.
Click to expand...

Ohh beg your Pardon. First 3 years at the raiders. Ouff I was wrong twice. He got them to 2nd in his 3rd season. 🙈

For me I still think there'd be no coaching profundity/boost that we'd get by sacking Benji. If you're not at a club that can poach/recruit elite players you really need to understand your playing group. Any replacement coach except perhaps Wayne Bennett, (who lets face it is a genius and reading at motivating players), would have to restart that process all over again. It's still such an intuitive, emotional game.
 
innsaneink said:
Hes only gotta fix this...Cronk can see it why cant Benji

I was so annoyed at the ground while everyone else was cheering

www.facebook.com

221K views · 4.3K reactions | We’re throwing it back to the best game finishes from the 2025 NRL Premiership đŸ€© Up next, the Wests Tigers v Titans in Round 20 đŸ”„ | NRL

We’re throwing it back to the best game finishes from the 2025 NRL Premiership đŸ€© Up next, the Wests Tigers v Titans in Round 20 đŸ”„
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
Click to expand...
He was furious on the sidelines during this, even though we won he sprayed them afterwards
 
TIGERS said:
Ricky Stuart and Brad Arthur each had 4 full seasons before they got their latest/current teams into the finals for the first time, (and then Grand Finals afterwards). Benji is starting from a less well established position than either of those coaches has and he's still had less time than either of them.

The rubber should really be hitting the road this season. Let's not deny that. I think just earnestly counting wins and losses is a mugs game.

First of all we shouldn't be seeing a cautious approach like our first match last year against Newcastle. Too many experienced pros in our team now to start a season like that. That was a poor decision, and bad for our fans. I generally think that Benji's big weak spot as a coach is how he sets the team up on match day. He's seems like he'd make a fantastic GM of football, and can eat journalists for breakfast, but I don't think he's fully found his decision making mojo yet as a match day coach.

Want to see marked improvement from big recruits having their 2nd season. I think Luai is sailing somewhat under the radar a little bit and I like that. Also the decision to resign Api, that was a judgement call from our coach so I want to see him pinching tries and doing his thing successfully. "We need to win now" was the expression so a few more moments from Api like his masterclass against the Dolphins early last season... Not every game, but enough to show the decision was valid.

The third is the big one. And that's how we respond to a loss. We can't doom spiral into another 6+ game losing streak this season. Our players have played too many games together, has too much rep experience, grand finals winners. Lots of rookies who have played 50+ games now. The team and coach just have to be able to summon something to get it together and get a result. What's happening with our footy program, it should be enough by now to get us out of trouble. Even if we only win 3 in 9, I don't want 2 months without a win. no way.

Refs, injury, luck, -- I'm going to want to throw bricks at my TV at some stage of the season... but I don't want to feel the existential dread while Benji is questioning the commitment of his players in a post match interview after losing 16-28 to the titans on our 7th loss in a row
Click to expand...
We're a young team and thats a positive. More room for growth. There is no way we're going backwards in 2026 unless injuries hit
 
TIGERS said:
Ohh beg your Pardon. First 3 years at the raiders. Ouff I was wrong twice. He got them to 2nd in his 3rd season. 🙈

For me I still think there'd be no coaching profundity/boost that we'd get by sacking Benji. If you're not at a club that can poach/recruit elite players you really need to understand your playing group. Any replacement coach except perhaps Wayne Bennett, (who lets face it is a genius and reading at motivating players), would have to restart that process all over again. It's still such an intuitive, emotional game.
Click to expand...
The only coach I’ve ever heard of educating himself with some kind of human behavioural science was Tim Sheens just before arriving at Tigers.
Not saying they don’t train to be coaches, just that I don’t see it on their Bio’s.
When we cut to the chase, players are motivated by their own reasoning more so than the coach’s. Wayne Bennett’s background both personal and professional does give him an advantage of having patience over your average newby coach who is in a hurry to have some success?
 
Tigerwould said:
Click to expand...
There is a reason Benji keeps a guy like Alex Seyfarth around even though he's not that great. His attitude is superb, and despite the lack of skill, his work ethic does rub off on other squad members. Latu has the same attitude but he actually has the ability. Hearing him speak about Benji makes you think some of these guys would run through a brick wall for him. That's what we need in this team.
 
upthetigers said:
Nah, we should be competitive with the squad we have in 2025.
Click to expand...
We showed improvement in 2025 but didn't win the close games and lacked depth.

We have the depth in 2026 so we absolutely need to make the 8. Ryles had a proper apprenticeship under Bellamy and got smashed in Round 1. Let's give Benji our full support and not turn on him after every loss.

In Benji We Trust.
 
Last edited:
I still question Benji's tactical coaching credentials and believe the questions as to why so many players that he (with Sheens) recruited were seemingly off him very quickly. However;
He has been phenomenal in turning what could what could have been a chaotic event of the board being sacked into a minor blip.
He now has the team making all the right noise about wanting to play for him.
Ive always believed that the counterpoint to his inexperience is that he has so much room for improvement in all aspects of coaching.

I still don't think we have the quality in the middle rotation to make the 8 but we shouldn't be to far off and I am now completely behind Benji as the coach.
 
gregjm87 said:
I still question Benji's tactical coaching credentials and believe the questions as to why so many players that he (with Sheens) recruited were seemingly off him very quickly. However;
He has been phenomenal in turning what could what could have been a chaotic event of the board being sacked into a minor blip.
He now has the team making all the right noise about wanting to play for him.
Ive always believed that the counterpoint to his inexperience is that he has so much room for improvement in all aspects of coaching.

I still don't think we have the quality in the middle rotation to make the 8 but we shouldn't be to far off and I am now completely behind Benji as the coach.
Click to expand...
The players who were off Benji were the senior players who themselves had rank attitudes. Bateman, Klemmer, who else I don't remember as I've wiped that era from my memory. We brought those guys here to improve standards then they turned out to be a problem themselves.
 
gregjm87 said:
I still question Benji's tactical coaching credentials and believe the questions as to why so many players that he (with Sheens) recruited were seemingly off him very quickly. However;
He has been phenomenal in turning what could what could have been a chaotic event of the board being sacked into a minor blip.
He now has the team making all the right noise about wanting to play for him.
Ive always believed that the counterpoint to his inexperience is that he has so much room for improvement in all aspects of coaching.

I still don't think we have the quality in the middle rotation to make the 8 but we shouldn't be to far off and I am now completely behind Benji as the coach.
Click to expand...
Its a shame we dont have Cooper Clarke in the rotation !
 
Holman Barnes #1 Fan said:
The players who were off Benji were the senior players who themselves had rank attitudes. Bateman, Klemmer, who else I don't remember as I've wiped that era from my memory. We brought those guys here to improve standards then they turned out to be a problem themselves.
Click to expand...
The question is did the rank attitudes cause conflict with Benji or did the conflict with Benji cause rank attitudes? If it is the former then it is poor recruitment and on Benji (and Sheens) and whoever else was in charge of recruitment and if it is the latter then that is on the coach.
My thoughts without actually knowing is that you have to many players for it not to be a coaching issue. But nonetheless the current group have bought in, so don't care to dwell on it.
 
Holman Barnes #1 Fan said:
There is a reason Benji keeps a guy like Alex Seyfarth around even though he's not that great. His attitude is superb, and despite the lack of skill, his work ethic does rub off on other squad members. Latu has the same attitude but he actually has the ability. Hearing him speak about Benji makes you think some of these guys would run through a brick wall for him. That's what we need in this team.
Click to expand...
It sounds like Benji has truely done some things for these boys , that most other coaches they’ve been with don’t . I don’t know what that could possibly be , but man they’re all ride or die . It’s like he’s handcuffed them to a chair when they walk into the joint , taped thier eyes open , and brainwashed them. “You have to kill the Malaysian prime minister “
 
Benji now has a really good squad , players competing for positions, lots of young players brought in . The older players we had were too slow,good Benji moved them on; next Saturday arvo , bring it on !🐯
 

www.smh.com.au

‘Benji never suffers fools’: Why this year will be different for Wests Tigers

Benji Marshall finally has the rosters he wants – not one he inherited.
www.smh.com.au www.smh.com.au
​

‘Benji never suffers fools’: Why this year will be different for Wests Tigers​

Christian Nicolussi‱7 min read
Mar 13, 2026

The best thing about Benji Marshall heading into his third season as head coach of the Wests Tigers is he has a roster he has built – not one he inherited.

The players who have joined the club for the chance to play under the Tigers and New Zealand legend have affectionately become known as ‘Benji-ites’.

The Tigers kick off their 2026 NRL campaign on Saturday afternoon against the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval. Again, there is optimism in Tiger Town – but with good reason.

Their performance in the trials, especially against Penrith, was more than promising. And there looks like there is genuine competition for spots.

Rookie winger Heamasi Makasini turned heads by storming over the top of Panthers and NSW fullback Dylan Edwards for a try; Bunty Afoa will provide much-needed grunt in the middle; and Tigers fans will want to see the continual improvement of star No. 1 Jahream Bula.

But the most fascinating story will be Marshall and what he can deliver with the playing group he has pulled together, with the help of former chief executive Shane Richardson.

Benji Marshall kickstarts his third year in charge on Saturday.

Benji Marshall kickstarts his third year in charge on Saturday.Credit: Wests Tigers Media

Marshall, 41, has a group who are prepared to fight for him every week.

His co-captains, Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau, are the ultimate competitors who know what it takes to win titles.

It probably explains why Marshall has made no apologies for getting tougher with the players over the summer, and laying down the law when it comes to standards.

Tigers fans got a sneak peek of Marshall’s cranky side earlier this week when the club released vision of him talking tough with the younger players at the start of pre-season.

“We’re big on standards, and if you don’t make your f—ing times consistently, and you can’t perform, and you’re not professional, you’ll be out of here,” Marshall says in a scene, which had more than 70,000 views within 72 hours.

Even though Richardson departed the club before Christmas, he is looking forward to seeing what Marshall produces.

“Benji is highly intelligent, he listens, he thinks, he picks things up at a different level compared to other people,” Richardson said this week.

“Benji never suffers fools, but when he started, he had to deal with the people he had.”

Former Tigers boss Shane Richardson on Benji Marshall
Click to expand...
“The thing he didn’t have when he started coaching was management skills.

“What makes [coaching legends] Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy so great at what they do is the fact they are man managers.

“But Benji has got better and better in that area, which is why I was looking forward to working with him this year. He’s now got a team he’s had a major say in. It’s his opportunity to shine.

“Benji never suffers fools, but when he started, he had to deal with the people he had.

“Those same people are now gone, and the players and people at the club are ‘Benji-ites’ – he’ll do really well. He never accepts second best in anything he does.”

Even some of Marshall’s closest mates have noticed a change in his approach to coaching.

Beau Ryan, a club favourite who has since forged a successful media career, has been a regular at training. He was there at Concord Oval for Friday’s captain’s run. “The big thing I’ve seen in Benji is how firm he is when it comes to discipline,” Ryan said.
“As a player, Benji trained hard. He had all the flair and skills as a player, but he ran hard, and in any skills game, he competed on everything.

The Tigers extended Benji Marshall’s deal until the end of 2030 before Christmas.

The Tigers extended Benji Marshall’s deal until the end of 2030 before Christmas.Credit: Janie Barrett

“They’ve accepted different standards in the past for different reasons. But it’s different now.

“The happiness levels have also lifted. I hosted an event on game-day after the trial against Penrith, and the club just felt happy.”

Marshall was in good spirits when he spoke to this masthead about the pre-season and what he has learned from coaching. “This [pre-season] has been the most fun one for me,” he said.
“You get to see kids who were 17 and 18 when I first started, they’re now 19 and 20 and growing. Samuela Fainu, Latu Fainu, seeing the likes of those guys change become the players they are now, compared to what they were when they started, it’s been fun.

“I’ve learned that coaching is not about me – it’s about what this team needs from me.

“Every year I’ve needed to reflect on what’s worked, and what hasn’t worked. You’re constantly learning, constantly evolving, and constantly growing into what it actually takes to be an NRL coach.

“You don’t know what it takes until you’re in it. I can guarantee you everyone who has done it for the first time will be shocked at how different it is compared to how you think it is.

Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai will play an integral role again.

Wests Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai will play an integral role again.Credit: Janie Barrett/SMH

“The group we have now is different to the group I started with. This group needed the standards to lift, but it’s not me lifting them. Perception wise, it might look like me who is driving the standards, but it’s a credit to the leadership group.”

Marshall has brushed up on his leadership skills through an online program, which fellow NRL head coaches Anthony Seibold and Cameron Ciraldo, as well as Bulldogs’ skipper Stephen Crichton, have all found beneficial.

Every fortnight, Marshall will jump on a Zoom call with Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie, Matthew Nicks (Adelaide Crows), Kat Smith (Western United coach), and former Test cricketer Mike Hussey, to discuss any concerns they have in their respective sports.

“Head coaching can be a lonely place – you can’t really turn to people in your sport,” Marshall said.

“What’s nice is you get people in other arenas and sports who face the same things and challenges you face, and we all share how we deal with our hurdles. It gives you ideas on what might work. You take what you want and leave what you want. There are no egos. But I’ve definitely found it quite helpful.”

The Tigers extended Marshall’s contract to the end of 2030 not long after Richardson’s exit. And on Friday, the club locked down halfback Adam Doueihi until 2029.

Marshall, however, feels no extra pressure to get the job done because of the club’s leap of faith.

“The extension isn’t about me, it’s about the whole club, the players, and stability for when you’re recruiting, knowing who the coach is,” he said.

“You’re always planning two years in advance – to have that stability, and to have players knowing I’ll be here, it makes it easier.”

Forward Royce Hunt says the Tigers will be more aggressive in 2026. “I think we’re fitter now, which means you can go harder for longer. We’ll be more aggressive – there will be no backward steps.”

Tigers fans are hoping for the best. Marshall, well, he is demanding it.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 961 (members: 0, guests: 961)
Back
Top