Coach Benji 👑

[Telltails]

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

And was an assistant at Wests Tigers bought in by Maguire who was accused of surrounding himself with people who didn't threaten his position - sounds familiar.
Ben Gardner is probably a good coach but this club in its current state is not a place to measure the strength of any coach - and he probably knows that better than most. We set them up to fail.

 

[Tiger_heart]

Let me ask this question - how much of Benji's legacy (as a former Tiger great) is helping him staying afloat? Would we have been as loyal if another coach had been there?
Because he was fast-tracked into the role with zero head-coaching experience, the narrative has been shifted to "he needs time to learn," a luxury an experienced outsider would never receive.

I also think that we are suffering from the revolving door syndrome, where rather than blame the coaches that we've had over time, we should be pointing the finger at those that make these decisions. If you are unemployed, as a coach, you'll likely jump at a first grade coach opportunity. But whether you are the right candidate for it, it should be a much more critical decision.



Every single one of these coaches was handed a roster they didn't fully build, told to fix a "broken culture," and then terminated when quick fixes failed. When a school flunks every class, you eventually stop blaming the substitute teachers and look at the principal.

Appointing Benji Marshall was a romantic marketing strategy designed to appease sponsors and fans, rather than a decision based on modern, proven coaching credentials. He is simply the latest person trying to steer a ship that was structurally damaged long before he took the wheel.

 

[TYGA]

The coach they should bring in to help Benji is Ben Teo.

 

[Terry T.Nuts]

Benji is looking very ragged, and almost seems he has lost interest, what do you think ?

Benji needs to leave this rubbish heap asap, he is too good a human for this remember the 2005 grand final champ and cut all ties. The club is doomed not even Bennett, Bellamy etc would improve it. Let it burn and let the NRL bring someone else in, the worst performing club for over 15 years, save your sanity please Benji.

 

[Terry T.Nuts]

And was an assistant at Wests Tigers bought in by Maguire who was accused of surrounding himself with people who didn't threaten his position - sounds familiar.
Ben Gardner is probably a good coach but this club in its current state is not a place to measure the strength of any coach - and he probably knows that better than most. We set them up to fail.

Career suicide for him, any half decent coach will avoid this mess, no chance of success and should be gone by 2030 to avoid further embarrassment.

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

The coach they should bring in to help Benji is Ben Teo.

God No

 

[Tucker]

Let me ask this question - how much of Benji's legacy (as a former Tiger great) is helping him staying afloat? Would we have been as loyal if another coach had been there?
Because he was fast-tracked into the role with zero head-coaching experience, the narrative has been shifted to "he needs time to learn," a luxury an experienced outsider would never receive.

I also think that we are suffering from the revolving door syndrome, where rather than blame the coaches that we've had over time, we should be pointing the finger at those that make these decisions. If you are unemployed, as a coach, you'll likely jump at a first grade coach opportunity. But whether you are the right candidate for it, it should be a much more critical decision.

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Every single one of these coaches was handed a roster they didn't fully build, told to fix a "broken culture," and then terminated when quick fixes failed. When a school flunks every class, you eventually stop blaming the substitute teachers and look at the principal.

Appointing Benji Marshall was a romantic marketing strategy designed to appease sponsors and fans, rather than a decision based on modern, proven coaching credentials. He is simply the latest person trying to steer a ship that was structurally damaged long before he took the wheel.

This is somewhat correct, but not entirely.
Marshall and Sheens joined midway 2022 and spent the rest of that year working on the roster and strategy whilst poor old Noddy dealt with a shit sandwich and copped the first spoon. All decisions were made by Marshal. They then took over for the 2023 season and all roster commitments and decisions continued to be lead by Benji until Sheens was forced out and Benji took over full time before that season ended. He has been head coach ever since.

Point being, Benji has been building and altering the roster for over 4 years now. He has been here for 4 full pre seasons. He is not a member of the coaching group you described above. He has been afforded every chance to succeed….mentored by a very experienced coach and guided by a very experienced CEO. This team is his. He built it and had it working for a few months. He has to work out what is going wrong, and fast.

 

[rex2ce]

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?

Isn’t Gardiner with the Bears

 

[EllisFan]

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.

0 stars Isaac, should of got AI to write that one, too transparent.

 

[Leck]

Isn’t Gardiner with the Bears

Yep, you're right.

 

[LARDS]

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

Ben Gardner would be great but I think that ship has sailed. I was surprised his name hadn't been mentioned in recent years about the next coaches.
He'll be the Bears coach and as challenging as that job will be it would be easier than coaching the tigers.

 

[liltiger]

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.

Agree. I honestly cant see them punting him. It would be ironic though if they had to fork out $4 million to pay him out plus another million odd a season for a real coach and in some way put pressure on HBG that they finally decided to sell the joint.

 

[liltiger]

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.

Easier to replace one coach than a whole squad. Though once Benji goes and he will eventually if things stay the same the pressure on HBG will be immense. Questions on their decision making and ability to own the joint will be rife. The media will have a field day. There may be a silver lining.

 

[liltiger]

Benji is looking very ragged, and almost seems he has lost interest, what do you think ?

Poor bloke looked depressed in the presser, we broke him.

 

[innsaneink]

I seem to recall a lot of injured players travelled to NZ when we played them in round 4
Skelton, May, Luai and maybe some others...i wonder if they paid their way...i remember it appeared they didnt because this issue was mentioned at the time.
No douehi had to pay to go to Brisbane?

 

[Bellend]

Agree. I honestly cant see them punting him. It would be ironic though if they had to fork out $4 million to pay him out plus another million odd a season for a real coach and in some way put pressure on HBG that they finally decided to sell the joint.

Yesterday was part of a conversation re Benji it would be close to $5mil to get rid of this failed exercise and his staff. There is a lot of disharmony in the club currently and should have been nipped weeks ago but was not and what we are seeing is this culmination.

Benji has been told he needs more experienced people around him but either he is refusing or is happy in his deluded world.

 

[Jolls]

@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.

100% BF, the coaching pathway is eaqually as important as bringing through the juniors. Although, I think it would eb advantageous to have the coaching pathway, but bring also scout outside talent to come in with different exposures and ideas to benefit the development.

 

[rex2ce]

We didn’t break him , his buddy buddy bro players not having any pride in their performances have broken him, but wait, aren’t they going to leave if Benjii gets the sack ?, bring it on I reckon

 

[liltiger]

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.

Funny they mention Flanaghan who is a Moses client. Spoon fed article.

 

[liltiger]

Yesterday was part of a conversation re Benji it would be close to $5mil to get rid of this failed exercise and his staff. There is a lot of disharmony in the club currently and should have been nipped weeks ago but was not and what we are seeing is this culmination.

Benji has been told he needs more experienced people around him but either he is refusing or is happy in his deluded world.

HBG treat the joint like their personal play thing. Benji treats it like his personal play thing. Only ones suffering are us fans.