Aussielion
Active member
The big thing for Benji this year is that the rest of the season is a relatively soft draw. If they fail to win a game from here which is a strong possibility, he would have to be under the pump in 2027 from game one.
Coach Benji đź‘‘
- Thread starter LeichhardtBoy
- Start date
liltiger
Well-known member
I cant see us winning another game this season and not only that, i see us getting flogged every week. If the club is smart theres no way to salvage this mess. What id do is send all the guys who need surgury in now so at preseason theyre ready. Bula, Douehi if he stays, Tallyn and whoever else and just get as much game time into Andrews, Haywood, Latu and any other younger players were thinking of using next year. At least this way Benji has an excuse for all the hammerings were going to cop. By saying were getting game time into younger players. Tell the young guys just play and have fun. If the club is deadset and we have the same results as today for the rest of the year with the same squad, no way Benji is coaching next year. He said it himself today, hes not sure how to fix it but they just keep working hard. Thats why you dont hire an inexperienced coach.
Aussielion
Active member
I think regardless of results, he will get next year. There is one sole reason for that....actually, a few million reasons that would manifest itself into one of the biggest payouts in NRL history. They will delay it as long as possible.
If next season is anything close to this season, Benji's position will be pretty much untenable and he'll get the punt.
I'm guessing all assistants will be sacked this year and Benji stays on. Personally, I think it's time for him to go now.....but he won't.
Winston Churchill
Well-known member
The team is pretty much the same team set for next year give or take a few here and there, Luai and Alverillo etc. I cant see us winning too many games next year either.
Winston Churchill
Well-known member
In the Tigers DNA not to be smart. They have had plenty of seasons in the past to do it with the campaign over by mid way. Ive made plenty of past posts screaming the same thing in previous seasons, blood the kids, do the surgeries, get a head start on next year etc. Some on here shoot it down as destroying kids confidence if they get flogged by 50 every game. Im in the other camp of it building character, resilience and experience. If they cant hack it, it wasnt meant to be, concreter might be their destiny a few years earlier than expected.
Time for some changes.
Ben Gardiner - high quality, assistant. One could say hes almost ready for the head coach job. Incredible communicator and very much a high IQ coach. Lots to like about this guy. He isn't looking burnt out like the Brad Arthur's and Shane Flanagans.
Then we've got the likes of;
Matt King -another next man up who has been plying his trade. He has an aura around him and everyone speaks highly of him. He's been at the roosters and in the Lebanon squad, developing his skills. He'd be hard to get away from the Roosters, but a lot of coaches started there and are now elsewhere, doing well.
Josh Jackson - No nonsese, genuine "hard" man. Has been working with the U19 New South Wales team. Isn't exactly a rookie but not greatly experienced either. He seems the type who the players would run through a brick wall for. Bulldogs DNA obviously but has got the reps in as a player and could hopefully instil some toughness in our players.
Dale Finucane - Same as above but has been in the Storm and Sharks system so knows what a professional, successful environment looks like. He has always been spoken about his professionalism and preparation, from training to diet, to rehabilitation. Overall class act.
Elijah Taylor - Younger and has an understanding of the game, the players and the culture. Hes using his platform to mentor and share advice and opinions. Hes a really likeable character and I could see him really inspiring players. @king_sirro recommendation *****
Anyway, I could see all being upgrades and improvements on what we've got and hopefully bring some much needed assistance to Benji. Its all about putting the right people in the right roles and if Benji isn't that person, the best we can do is surround him by the right people to better ensure his (OUR) success.
Thoughts?
Leck
Well-known member
Both Gardiner and King are excellent options. Dale and Elijah still need some time to develop.
I’d also consider David Furner and Brad Arthur.
The problem is, would any established coach respect a rookie like Benji, who has a 35% win rate, and want to come in as his assistant?
Tired Tiger
Well-known member
Benji Marshall has total control at the Tigers. The club thinks that needs to change
Danny Weidler
Sport columnist
July 26, 2026 — 5:00am
A
A
A
Benji Marshall’s contract gives him more power than almost any other coach in the NRL, but that is about to be challenged as the Wests Tigers realise he can no longer be surrounded by “yes men” after a tumultuous week for the club that could result in the loss of another quality half.
Regular halfback Adam Doueihi stood up to Marshall on Thursday, calling him out on issues at the club and standing down from Saturday’s clash against the Raiders after Marshall had moved him to lock – a stance for which Doueihi was called selfish in the meeting.
Rift: Benji Marshall and Adam DoueihiGetty/Monique Westermann
Doueihi’s agent, Isaac Moses, has now organised peace talks between Marshall and Doueihi with a view to keeping his client at the club. Moses only found out about the fallout between coach and player after the event – and while he backs his player’s opinions, he has made it clear to Doueihi that he felt he should have played.
Moses will put his own issues with Marshall to one side to find a solution. The aim is to bring the pair together so Doueihi can play in the Tigers’ next game, against Parramatta next Sunday.
The “selfish” accusation is hard to argue with, but Doueihi’s behaviour this year suggests he is anything but. For Doueihi, the positional change was a culmination of issues that had been irking him before he made his snap decision.
The most obvious is that star five-eighth Jarome Luai is leaving the club for the Eels next season, then the PNG Chiefs in 2028, and the idea of Doueihi mentoring and combining with rookie half Javon Andrews has been discussed.
Benji Marshall has been at the heart of another tumultuous week in Tiger Town.Kate Geraghty
Doueihi’s selection at lock didn’t lend itself to that. So no matter how you spin it, Luai’s exit is having an impact on the club.
Doueihi has busted his backside to support Marshall and create a team culture. From putting on team meals to being the one who brought the players together for coffees. He paid for his own flight to support the team at Magic Round when he was out injured. He is also currently playing through a shoulder injury.
Doueihi should have sensed something was up with his selection going into the Raiders game when Marshall showed little interest in his judiciary appearance on Tuesday night. He didn’t get a phone call from his coach after beating a careless high tackle charge.
The initial thought is that the situation is not beyond repair, but the Tigers have lost two marquee halves in Lachlan Galvin and Luai in the last 13 months.
Lachie Galvin had his issues with Marshall during his time at the Tigers.Renee Nowytarger
Galvin had a dossier of complaints about Marshall – the contents of which have been hidden away. Luai was told to move on after signing with PNG to accommodate the next wave of talent.
So the Tigers are facing the loss of three top halves at a time when playmakers have never been more in demand.
It can also be revealed that Marshall’s agent, Matt Desira, not only brokered a great deal for his client, but timed it to perfection. The contract was struck when the club was in the midst of a boardroom crisis and effectively hands all power over the team to Marshall.
Related Article
AnalysisNRL 2026
The inside story of why Adam Doueihi refused to play for Wests Tigers
The coach, a 2005 premiership winner and club legend, has the final say over everything at the club, from his assistant coach down to the gear stewards. And if he is sacked or asked to accept changes to his deal, he is entitled to be paid out in full.
The latest drama could actually be the making of Marshall as a coach as it is going to bring change.
Marshall was untouchable as a player, on and off the field. His status as a generational great meant any shortcomings were glossed over. But being a champion player doesn’t automatically translate into being a great head coach and leader of men.
There is a growing feeling at the Tigers that Marshall needs outside help. One of his biggest issues is that he doesn’t have enough people challenging him. There is already discussion that one of his main men, John Morris, is heading to the Dragons. That has been denied. But Marshall will be offered assistance in the off season.
The club could do worse than consider if Shane Flanagan would join as a senior assistant. It’s something Flanagan is open to. Whether Marshall would accept it is another thing. He has the legal right to tell the club to shove it.
The view that there have been double standards at the club has also been relayed to me. Some players are allowed to get out of training with too much ease, while bad habits like vaping have been ignored.
Danny Weidler
Sport columnist
July 26, 2026 — 5:00am
A
A
A
Benji Marshall’s contract gives him more power than almost any other coach in the NRL, but that is about to be challenged as the Wests Tigers realise he can no longer be surrounded by “yes men” after a tumultuous week for the club that could result in the loss of another quality half.
Regular halfback Adam Doueihi stood up to Marshall on Thursday, calling him out on issues at the club and standing down from Saturday’s clash against the Raiders after Marshall had moved him to lock – a stance for which Doueihi was called selfish in the meeting.
Rift: Benji Marshall and Adam DoueihiGetty/Monique Westermann
Doueihi’s agent, Isaac Moses, has now organised peace talks between Marshall and Doueihi with a view to keeping his client at the club. Moses only found out about the fallout between coach and player after the event – and while he backs his player’s opinions, he has made it clear to Doueihi that he felt he should have played.
Moses will put his own issues with Marshall to one side to find a solution. The aim is to bring the pair together so Doueihi can play in the Tigers’ next game, against Parramatta next Sunday.
The “selfish” accusation is hard to argue with, but Doueihi’s behaviour this year suggests he is anything but. For Doueihi, the positional change was a culmination of issues that had been irking him before he made his snap decision.
The most obvious is that star five-eighth Jarome Luai is leaving the club for the Eels next season, then the PNG Chiefs in 2028, and the idea of Doueihi mentoring and combining with rookie half Javon Andrews has been discussed.
Benji Marshall has been at the heart of another tumultuous week in Tiger Town.Kate Geraghty
Doueihi’s selection at lock didn’t lend itself to that. So no matter how you spin it, Luai’s exit is having an impact on the club.
Doueihi has busted his backside to support Marshall and create a team culture. From putting on team meals to being the one who brought the players together for coffees. He paid for his own flight to support the team at Magic Round when he was out injured. He is also currently playing through a shoulder injury.
Doueihi should have sensed something was up with his selection going into the Raiders game when Marshall showed little interest in his judiciary appearance on Tuesday night. He didn’t get a phone call from his coach after beating a careless high tackle charge.
The initial thought is that the situation is not beyond repair, but the Tigers have lost two marquee halves in Lachlan Galvin and Luai in the last 13 months.
Lachie Galvin had his issues with Marshall during his time at the Tigers.Renee Nowytarger
Galvin had a dossier of complaints about Marshall – the contents of which have been hidden away. Luai was told to move on after signing with PNG to accommodate the next wave of talent.
So the Tigers are facing the loss of three top halves at a time when playmakers have never been more in demand.
It can also be revealed that Marshall’s agent, Matt Desira, not only brokered a great deal for his client, but timed it to perfection. The contract was struck when the club was in the midst of a boardroom crisis and effectively hands all power over the team to Marshall.
Related Article
AnalysisNRL 2026
The inside story of why Adam Doueihi refused to play for Wests Tigers
The coach, a 2005 premiership winner and club legend, has the final say over everything at the club, from his assistant coach down to the gear stewards. And if he is sacked or asked to accept changes to his deal, he is entitled to be paid out in full.
The latest drama could actually be the making of Marshall as a coach as it is going to bring change.
Marshall was untouchable as a player, on and off the field. His status as a generational great meant any shortcomings were glossed over. But being a champion player doesn’t automatically translate into being a great head coach and leader of men.
There is a growing feeling at the Tigers that Marshall needs outside help. One of his biggest issues is that he doesn’t have enough people challenging him. There is already discussion that one of his main men, John Morris, is heading to the Dragons. That has been denied. But Marshall will be offered assistance in the off season.
The club could do worse than consider if Shane Flanagan would join as a senior assistant. It’s something Flanagan is open to. Whether Marshall would accept it is another thing. He has the legal right to tell the club to shove it.
The view that there have been double standards at the club has also been relayed to me. Some players are allowed to get out of training with too much ease, while bad habits like vaping have been ignored.
Leck
Well-known member
It appears that Benji is finding it hard to manage the men rather than coaching.
The reality is you have to communicate and engage with players (people) on different levels and in different ways to build a connection. A single focused approach will never work.
Buttface
Well-known member
@Jolls
Remember the first time us talking a while back about having a coaching system at out club, I think Gardiner had not long been shown the door and we were not happy and was basically he was our best coach and in waiting and before that we did it to Webster.
Two coaches right there and one is sitting third all year despite what @Jedi_Tiger thinks of the Wahs.
Buttface
Well-known member
Lost me at regular half back AD. 🤣🤣🤣
How about adding Blake Austin to the list. I've heard him talk on radio. Seems very smart football wise and I think is involved in coaching juniors from memory.
I would like to ask the question that you mention last in your post- what happened at this club after R9 this season, it's like a switch was switched off ?????
Some of these guys would be awesome at our club, why did we ever let Ben Gardiner go !!! He would be my first pick and I like the sound of Elijah Taylor....get them at the club if they'll come back after all this bedlam
Yes let's get some help please, Benji you could use the help, can't you see that !
Benji is looking very ragged, and almost seems he has lost interest, what do you think ?
Jedi_Tiger
Well-known member
Wahs are in the downhill now as fully expected.
@Buttface time to jump of the Wahs bandwagon mate most overhyped team in the comp. Dont think they will win a semi finals game this year.
Ben Gardiner would be a good coach for us, not his fault he is an assistant at that club.
He has been ab assistant at penrith and coaches samoa
Tom Shines
Well-known member
The pressure is ratcheting up each week … I still think he will hang on another year … not that he deserves too , but I was reading in the paper today that HBG is on the hook for a big payout so they will probably soldier on with him..instead of paying two coaches
watersider
Well-known member
Benji should not be sacked. Those calling for it are chopping down the club's chance at progress and at holding both the club and players accountable. Once again the players go around with excuses and exec puts in another toy that they'll eventually break and the cycle will repeat.
More rookie coach options? No way should we do that. That's crazy.
The biggest problem with the club is our physicality in the tackle, both in attack and defense. That has always been our problem. We have no game to fall back on when our attack is flat because we can't compete physically. It doesn't matter our coach, our club has been near the poorest in the league in this area since inception.
We have had four periods in our clubs history when that wasn't the case: the 2010-11 seasons, Ivan Cleary's first five rounds and the first five rounds this year. The rest of our time we've been horribly overmatched physically. We don't need a new coach, we need the best trainer we can get teach us tackle technique and hit-up strategy so we maximise our ability in controlling play the ball speed. That's our weakness, that's what we need to fix.
2010 and 11 we had Steve Folkes as trainer and when we let him go we were back to mediocrity and Sheens got sacked. I have no idea what Folkes did, but with the same group of players and same head coach we became a lot fitter and stronger. Let's focus on that rather than chopping and changing at the top, it has never worked for us.
I thought appointing Benji was a crazy idea, but he's been able to recruit at our club despite our record like no other coach before him. As soon as we chop him down we lose our best asset in NRL media and player world. We need to build him up, work support around him and put a ton of effort into drastically reshaping our approach to strength and conditioning.
Hasler would not be interested, but he's the sort of trainer, like Folkes, that might work in bringing old school know how to our fitness program.
More rookie coach options? No way should we do that. That's crazy.
The biggest problem with the club is our physicality in the tackle, both in attack and defense. That has always been our problem. We have no game to fall back on when our attack is flat because we can't compete physically. It doesn't matter our coach, our club has been near the poorest in the league in this area since inception.
We have had four periods in our clubs history when that wasn't the case: the 2010-11 seasons, Ivan Cleary's first five rounds and the first five rounds this year. The rest of our time we've been horribly overmatched physically. We don't need a new coach, we need the best trainer we can get teach us tackle technique and hit-up strategy so we maximise our ability in controlling play the ball speed. That's our weakness, that's what we need to fix.
2010 and 11 we had Steve Folkes as trainer and when we let him go we were back to mediocrity and Sheens got sacked. I have no idea what Folkes did, but with the same group of players and same head coach we became a lot fitter and stronger. Let's focus on that rather than chopping and changing at the top, it has never worked for us.
I thought appointing Benji was a crazy idea, but he's been able to recruit at our club despite our record like no other coach before him. As soon as we chop him down we lose our best asset in NRL media and player world. We need to build him up, work support around him and put a ton of effort into drastically reshaping our approach to strength and conditioning.
Hasler would not be interested, but he's the sort of trainer, like Folkes, that might work in bringing old school know how to our fitness program.
This doesn't often happen at strong clubs because the players know that they are replaceable - apart from the fact a winning environment is a happy one..
We over play players that we are desperate to keep drains the club of money and gives them control of the life of any coach. It has happened to all of our coaches bar Cleary who jumped early
Add out hopeless and neglectful administration who spend more energy in fighting then giving a toss about the success of the football club - happy to scapegoat and pay out coaches.
Only takes a couple of players to get the sulks and fracture the playing group and the team falls apart with no depth to flush out the trouble makers.
I didn't think it would happen to Benji - but here we are. He has few options to turn it around and Douehi's actions will test the CEO - players or coach. Players at a week club usually always win - and the coach sucks it up gets tapped or walks.
We over play players that we are desperate to keep drains the club of money and gives them control of the life of any coach. It has happened to all of our coaches bar Cleary who jumped early
Add out hopeless and neglectful administration who spend more energy in fighting then giving a toss about the success of the football club - happy to scapegoat and pay out coaches.
Only takes a couple of players to get the sulks and fracture the playing group and the team falls apart with no depth to flush out the trouble makers.
I didn't think it would happen to Benji - but here we are. He has few options to turn it around and Douehi's actions will test the CEO - players or coach. Players at a week club usually always win - and the coach sucks it up gets tapped or walks.
Staff online
-
Suzie-QAdministrator
Members online
- tiger05premier
- loyal wests tiger
- Wiz
- jadtiger
- Dennisspicer1
- Garrry
- Suzie-Q
- Speed2burn
- watersider
- westtigers
- TTTiger
- Tom Shines
- Milky
- Papacito
- 426Tlgerland
- getagrip
- Skull Tiger
- GNR4LIFE
- SeanT
- Aussielion
- Strider
- Yossarian
- Terry T.Nuts
- rihannafan1
- DrewPeacock
- mtd#2
- Sunnycoast_tiger
- TigerBurnsy
- tigersfan
- BeeCeen
- kiwitiger
- Lukic
- Mando Tiger
- 69tiger
- hank37w
- Merlot