Tigerdave
Well-known member
@tigermac88 said:
we'll need something more official than the club practical joker
Sack Sheens Thread
- Thread starter TigerOnFyah
- Start date
we'll need something more official than the club practical joker
tigermac88
New member
@Tigerdave said:
Just thought I'd pass on what I heard…
\
\
_Posted using RoarFEED 2012_
Tigerdave
Well-known member
no worries tigermac, here's hoping he's not joking this time
K
kgb007
Guest
I feel it’s time to post in support of Tim Sheens. I apologise for it’s length but there is a lot to discuss.
The coach: Much is made of his record of 3 finals appearances in 15 years. Let’s take a closer look. I think we can write off the first 5 years in North Queensland. The club was a basket case carrying a high debt and had difficulty in attracting high profile players. So, let’s move to the 10 years at the Tigers. In the 2 years prior to Sheens arrival, the RLW player’s poll was rated as the club players would least like to play for. Who could blame them, we played with spite and niggle - remember the Hopoate incident. Sheens attracted Scott Prince to the club and resurrected Prince’s career with Prince then leading us to a grand final victory in 2005\. I still rate that as the finest coaching achievement ever. How many of the premiers went on the play for Australia that year – none. Yes, we had a poor period after that. Does anyone remember Benji’s 5 shoulder reconstructions, or Scott Prince leaving because his partner’s qualifications weren’t recognized in NSW. The loss of Prince was devastating, and we struggled until Sheens brought the best out in Robert Lui with the club finishing in the top 4 in 2010 and 2011\. So if we look at the last 3 years it’s actually 2 top 4 appearances in 3 years. We missed the 8 by one win - who remembers the Bulldogs game where video referee was subsequently sacked, the Farah missed field goal, and in the ensuing extra time Robbie Farah broke his hand.
Also, remember that Sheens sees the players most days of the week. He knows who is carrying injuries, who puts in at training and even who is having personal issues off the field. We as supporters only see them play for 80 minutes and are quick to judge their performances with much less knowledge.
The spine: Everyone talks about the much vaunted “spine” of 1, 6, 7 and 9\. We lost our emerging 7 to a Mad Monday indiscretion and had to manufacture a new spine. Surprisingly, we were installed as favourites for the premiership – since when do you win premierships without a recognized half back. I know the coach cancelled his end of season holidays to come back and mould the spine in the off season. We’d play Moltzen at 7 and Tedesco at 1, Curtis Sironen would have been thrown into the mix but he was recovering from a shoulder reconstruction. Twenty minutes into the season and Tedesco is gone for the season and Sironen is still unavailable – onto plan B.
Injuries: I asked Sheens at the trial game in Gosford how we would go this year. His answer – “it all comes down to injuries”. Well, guess what, we had plenty. We lost Gareth, club player of the year for the past 3 years, to a broken foot for 3 months. There were season ending injuries to rising stars Tedesco and Sironen and we seemed to pick up one or two injuries per game. We also lost Moltzen in the warm ups twice, I still believe injuries cost us in Townsville – losing Moltzen in the warm up, then both Lawrence and Sironen in the first half. Much is written about how we perform without Robbie, Robbie missed 8 games due to suspension, injury, representative duties and personal tragedy. If Robbie plays an extra 4 games we would have well and truly made the 8\. I looked at the stats, going into the last round the Tigers had the least number of players to play 20 games or more. Who had the most – the Bulldogs – where did they finish?
The club: Sheens does not have sole say as to who stays or goes. Remember Willie Mason? The coach and players wanted Mason on board (at a bargain price) but sponsors and fans shot that down. Love him or loath him, given how he performed with the Knights he might have come in handy in that early 5 game losing streak when we lost Keith Galloway. Again one win would have gotten us into the 8.
West Tigers have never been a big spending club. Just look at the players that have been brought through the ranks and only played first grade under Sheens; Woods, Farah, Groat, Heighington, Fulton, Murdoch-Masila, Marshall, Lawrence, Ayshford and Moltzen, plus the emerging Tedesco, Simona, Sironen and Koroibete.
Does anyone remember the training camp down the south coast in 2011, and the subsequent win in the wet over Newcastle that started a magnificent run to the finals? I seem to remember a similar camp in 2010\. Didn’t hear reports about it this year – why not? – I heard a lot about Canberra going into camp each week during their run to the finals.
Gibbs and Fifita: In 2010, Cronulla lost both their starting props and looked elsewhere to bolster their roster. The Tigers were vulnerable with 3 emerging young props – Woods, Groat and Fifita. We decided to keep Woods and Groat but we weren’t in a position to keep them all. Both players left the club on much better contracts – good luck to them.
Heighnington and Ryan: Heighno had a contract for next year, he wanted an extension but the club wouldn’t guarantee it, so he went elsewhere. With Beau there seems to have been a misunderstanding and genuine surprise when he went to Cronulla. They are both great blokes, work hard and have given great service to the club. But, realistically, are either of them in the top 15 players in their position?
Lote: Like you I read that there is an extension being offered to Lote. People are genuinely asking why keep Lote and let Beau go. I do know that Lote will play a large mentoring role for the young Pacific Islanders. I have a Fijian father-in-law and you can’t begin to imagine the difficulties that young Marika would have coming from a very rural Fijian village to live in Sydney. Lote will prove invaluable in helping one of our brightest young stars (and others) in this transition.
Moltzen: Again there are questions about Moltzen, but realistically, where do you find someone who can cover any position in the backline – he has played all those positions with the club. He strikes me as a confidence player but our supporters do their best to knock him down – let’s leave that to the opposition supporters.
Brent Kite: I think we need some experience in the front row, especially if Galloway gets injured. We’ll have Wood, Groat and young Buchanan from St George. If Kite does come to the Tigers he’ll come at a good price with Manly under severe salary cap pressure.
The future: We currently have the Australian Schoolboys halves in Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses. These guys are 2 of the best prospects to emerge in years. We are also in the last 4 of NYC. I believe that Tim is the best person to bring these guys through the ranks just as he has done with Farah, Marshall, Lawrence and co. Nobody is happy with where we finished in 2012\. People are clamoring for change, but as soon as we change the playing roster we get upset that our favourite players are going. Others will say that the coach will go, and that may still happen.
Membership: I’ve been a member since Balmain decided to become the Sydney Tigers. The supporters were upset with the move from Leichhardt Oval to Parramatta Stadium. I figured that the club most needed my support at that time. The same applies now. I’ll be upset if Tim Sheens is forced out, but I will renew my membership(s) regardless – I support the Wests Tigers and it’s not about individual players or coaches – it about a team. I think your team needs you more than ever.
That’s it, you can now rip into me.
The coach: Much is made of his record of 3 finals appearances in 15 years. Let’s take a closer look. I think we can write off the first 5 years in North Queensland. The club was a basket case carrying a high debt and had difficulty in attracting high profile players. So, let’s move to the 10 years at the Tigers. In the 2 years prior to Sheens arrival, the RLW player’s poll was rated as the club players would least like to play for. Who could blame them, we played with spite and niggle - remember the Hopoate incident. Sheens attracted Scott Prince to the club and resurrected Prince’s career with Prince then leading us to a grand final victory in 2005\. I still rate that as the finest coaching achievement ever. How many of the premiers went on the play for Australia that year – none. Yes, we had a poor period after that. Does anyone remember Benji’s 5 shoulder reconstructions, or Scott Prince leaving because his partner’s qualifications weren’t recognized in NSW. The loss of Prince was devastating, and we struggled until Sheens brought the best out in Robert Lui with the club finishing in the top 4 in 2010 and 2011\. So if we look at the last 3 years it’s actually 2 top 4 appearances in 3 years. We missed the 8 by one win - who remembers the Bulldogs game where video referee was subsequently sacked, the Farah missed field goal, and in the ensuing extra time Robbie Farah broke his hand.
Also, remember that Sheens sees the players most days of the week. He knows who is carrying injuries, who puts in at training and even who is having personal issues off the field. We as supporters only see them play for 80 minutes and are quick to judge their performances with much less knowledge.
The spine: Everyone talks about the much vaunted “spine” of 1, 6, 7 and 9\. We lost our emerging 7 to a Mad Monday indiscretion and had to manufacture a new spine. Surprisingly, we were installed as favourites for the premiership – since when do you win premierships without a recognized half back. I know the coach cancelled his end of season holidays to come back and mould the spine in the off season. We’d play Moltzen at 7 and Tedesco at 1, Curtis Sironen would have been thrown into the mix but he was recovering from a shoulder reconstruction. Twenty minutes into the season and Tedesco is gone for the season and Sironen is still unavailable – onto plan B.
Injuries: I asked Sheens at the trial game in Gosford how we would go this year. His answer – “it all comes down to injuries”. Well, guess what, we had plenty. We lost Gareth, club player of the year for the past 3 years, to a broken foot for 3 months. There were season ending injuries to rising stars Tedesco and Sironen and we seemed to pick up one or two injuries per game. We also lost Moltzen in the warm ups twice, I still believe injuries cost us in Townsville – losing Moltzen in the warm up, then both Lawrence and Sironen in the first half. Much is written about how we perform without Robbie, Robbie missed 8 games due to suspension, injury, representative duties and personal tragedy. If Robbie plays an extra 4 games we would have well and truly made the 8\. I looked at the stats, going into the last round the Tigers had the least number of players to play 20 games or more. Who had the most – the Bulldogs – where did they finish?
The club: Sheens does not have sole say as to who stays or goes. Remember Willie Mason? The coach and players wanted Mason on board (at a bargain price) but sponsors and fans shot that down. Love him or loath him, given how he performed with the Knights he might have come in handy in that early 5 game losing streak when we lost Keith Galloway. Again one win would have gotten us into the 8.
West Tigers have never been a big spending club. Just look at the players that have been brought through the ranks and only played first grade under Sheens; Woods, Farah, Groat, Heighington, Fulton, Murdoch-Masila, Marshall, Lawrence, Ayshford and Moltzen, plus the emerging Tedesco, Simona, Sironen and Koroibete.
Does anyone remember the training camp down the south coast in 2011, and the subsequent win in the wet over Newcastle that started a magnificent run to the finals? I seem to remember a similar camp in 2010\. Didn’t hear reports about it this year – why not? – I heard a lot about Canberra going into camp each week during their run to the finals.
Gibbs and Fifita: In 2010, Cronulla lost both their starting props and looked elsewhere to bolster their roster. The Tigers were vulnerable with 3 emerging young props – Woods, Groat and Fifita. We decided to keep Woods and Groat but we weren’t in a position to keep them all. Both players left the club on much better contracts – good luck to them.
Heighnington and Ryan: Heighno had a contract for next year, he wanted an extension but the club wouldn’t guarantee it, so he went elsewhere. With Beau there seems to have been a misunderstanding and genuine surprise when he went to Cronulla. They are both great blokes, work hard and have given great service to the club. But, realistically, are either of them in the top 15 players in their position?
Lote: Like you I read that there is an extension being offered to Lote. People are genuinely asking why keep Lote and let Beau go. I do know that Lote will play a large mentoring role for the young Pacific Islanders. I have a Fijian father-in-law and you can’t begin to imagine the difficulties that young Marika would have coming from a very rural Fijian village to live in Sydney. Lote will prove invaluable in helping one of our brightest young stars (and others) in this transition.
Moltzen: Again there are questions about Moltzen, but realistically, where do you find someone who can cover any position in the backline – he has played all those positions with the club. He strikes me as a confidence player but our supporters do their best to knock him down – let’s leave that to the opposition supporters.
Brent Kite: I think we need some experience in the front row, especially if Galloway gets injured. We’ll have Wood, Groat and young Buchanan from St George. If Kite does come to the Tigers he’ll come at a good price with Manly under severe salary cap pressure.
The future: We currently have the Australian Schoolboys halves in Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses. These guys are 2 of the best prospects to emerge in years. We are also in the last 4 of NYC. I believe that Tim is the best person to bring these guys through the ranks just as he has done with Farah, Marshall, Lawrence and co. Nobody is happy with where we finished in 2012\. People are clamoring for change, but as soon as we change the playing roster we get upset that our favourite players are going. Others will say that the coach will go, and that may still happen.
Membership: I’ve been a member since Balmain decided to become the Sydney Tigers. The supporters were upset with the move from Leichhardt Oval to Parramatta Stadium. I figured that the club most needed my support at that time. The same applies now. I’ll be upset if Tim Sheens is forced out, but I will renew my membership(s) regardless – I support the Wests Tigers and it’s not about individual players or coaches – it about a team. I think your team needs you more than ever.
That’s it, you can now rip into me.
snowleopard
New member
Thanks for taking the time to put good rational thoughts down on paper. Much appreciated!
These type of situations are always difficult to understand & manage from both a club & supporter point of view. the people you expect to have the most balanced view are the Chairman/Board of Directors and CEO. My feeling is that these people are more responsible for the current situation than the coach or the players. Leadership must come from the top and be decisive and well communicated to ALL the key stakeholders.
These type of situations are always difficult to understand & manage from both a club & supporter point of view. the people you expect to have the most balanced view are the Chairman/Board of Directors and CEO. My feeling is that these people are more responsible for the current situation than the coach or the players. Leadership must come from the top and be decisive and well communicated to ALL the key stakeholders.
Basil_Tiger
New member
@kgb007 said:
Yeah,you made some good points but at the end of the day he has to take(stating the obvious) the blame/credit for the performance of the Team,a lot of players,for whatever reason,had a poor season and he was unable to turn that around which may cost him his job.I've got no problem with him coaching next year bit i feel several of the senior players that are staying do,which probaly means more trouble.
If this is what rumours can do to us poor members think of the effects on the players who are out there texting like crazy, taking sides, and creating divisions that will only serve to destroy. It's high time that Humphries, Sheens or both showed some balls and made a statement so we can all get on with our lives. Sheens is dead in the water, and if he isn't then the Tigers are for years to come, so let's get some closure.
happy_tiger
Well-known member
@Chris said:
Like your style Chris
If only you didn't support Liverpool …....
innsaneink
Well-known member
@Chris said:
I have Friday on my mind
happy_tiger
Well-known member
@innsaneink said:
Suddenly I like Mondays Mr Geldof
G
Guest
Guest
Tigers, Sheens expected to part ways soon
September 22, 2012
Greg Prichard, Chris Barrett
\
\
\
WESTS TIGERS and coach Tim Sheens are expected to part company within days.
The club's management was giving nothing away yesterday, and Sheens did not respond to the Herald's attempt to contact him, but the indications are that the marriage is over and it is only the divorce settlement that has to be worked out.
Sheens has two years left of a contract that is understood to be worth $450,000 a year. The Tigers obviously wouldn't want to pay out the full amount, but how much they will have to spend depends on the attitude of the coach. He can hang out for all of it if he wants.
There have been suggestions the Warriors may be interested in picking up Sheens as coach, to replace the sacked Brian McClennan, but sources have repeatedly told the Herald that Sheens is not in the frame for that job.
Asked yesterday if he could rule Sheens out as a possibility, Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said: ''I've got no comment to make on our coaching situation, other than to say we expect to have a new coach in place within a fortnight.''
Scurrah made it clear that no matter how many names of possible coaches were thrown at him his answer would be the same.
Tigers chief executive Steve Humphreys yesterday said he ''isn't going to give a running commentary on the club's coaching situation''.
The club held a board meeting on Thursday night and Humphreys emerged from it to say that the club would ''complete our review process and agree our future plans in a prompt but orderly fashion to ensure the best possible outcome for the club''.
Yesterday, Humphreys said: ''It would be good if we could go about our business and talk about things when we know, but everyone wants a tidbit here and there. That makes our job more difficult.
''It's fair to say it's not going to take a long time. It's in no one's best interests to drag it out, and we do want to move through things as quickly as we can, but we don't want to make the mistake of rushing things. We want to manage the situation the right way.''
Balmain great Ben Elias, who as a then Wests Tigers director delivered Sheens to the club almost a decade ago, indicated that the veteran coach had run his race at Concord.
''We didn't make the top eight, and some dramatic and rational decisions have to be made,'' Elias said yesterday.
''Now the coach thinks it could be the players, but a lot of people think the buck stops with the coach.
''The thing about being there for 10 years is you can't say you've come and inherited this disease or this rot in the place, because you've created that culture.
''You've decided to sign those players, you've selected your staff, your talent scouts, your junior structure.
''The coach is responsible for every square centimetre of our club. Not making the semi-finals, when you lose more games than you win, you've got to be accountable. When you're in a corner people point the finger.''
Elias said he was still glad to have brought Sheens to the club in 2003, especially since the Tigers won the premiership in 2005, but he was saddened by the departures of Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan from the Tigers to Cronulla this week.
''He certainly came to our club when we needed a bloke with a level head and a lot of experience, and he absolutely gave us that,'' Elias said. ''He gave us direction and he gave us a premiership.''
September 22, 2012
Greg Prichard, Chris Barrett
\
\
\
WESTS TIGERS and coach Tim Sheens are expected to part company within days.
The club's management was giving nothing away yesterday, and Sheens did not respond to the Herald's attempt to contact him, but the indications are that the marriage is over and it is only the divorce settlement that has to be worked out.
Sheens has two years left of a contract that is understood to be worth $450,000 a year. The Tigers obviously wouldn't want to pay out the full amount, but how much they will have to spend depends on the attitude of the coach. He can hang out for all of it if he wants.
There have been suggestions the Warriors may be interested in picking up Sheens as coach, to replace the sacked Brian McClennan, but sources have repeatedly told the Herald that Sheens is not in the frame for that job.
Asked yesterday if he could rule Sheens out as a possibility, Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said: ''I've got no comment to make on our coaching situation, other than to say we expect to have a new coach in place within a fortnight.''
Scurrah made it clear that no matter how many names of possible coaches were thrown at him his answer would be the same.
Tigers chief executive Steve Humphreys yesterday said he ''isn't going to give a running commentary on the club's coaching situation''.
The club held a board meeting on Thursday night and Humphreys emerged from it to say that the club would ''complete our review process and agree our future plans in a prompt but orderly fashion to ensure the best possible outcome for the club''.
Yesterday, Humphreys said: ''It would be good if we could go about our business and talk about things when we know, but everyone wants a tidbit here and there. That makes our job more difficult.
''It's fair to say it's not going to take a long time. It's in no one's best interests to drag it out, and we do want to move through things as quickly as we can, but we don't want to make the mistake of rushing things. We want to manage the situation the right way.''
Balmain great Ben Elias, who as a then Wests Tigers director delivered Sheens to the club almost a decade ago, indicated that the veteran coach had run his race at Concord.
''We didn't make the top eight, and some dramatic and rational decisions have to be made,'' Elias said yesterday.
''Now the coach thinks it could be the players, but a lot of people think the buck stops with the coach.
''The thing about being there for 10 years is you can't say you've come and inherited this disease or this rot in the place, because you've created that culture.
''You've decided to sign those players, you've selected your staff, your talent scouts, your junior structure.
''The coach is responsible for every square centimetre of our club. Not making the semi-finals, when you lose more games than you win, you've got to be accountable. When you're in a corner people point the finger.''
Elias said he was still glad to have brought Sheens to the club in 2003, especially since the Tigers won the premiership in 2005, but he was saddened by the departures of Chris Heighington and Beau Ryan from the Tigers to Cronulla this week.
''He certainly came to our club when we needed a bloke with a level head and a lot of experience, and he absolutely gave us that,'' Elias said. ''He gave us direction and he gave us a premiership.''
G
Guest
Guest
Wests Tigers urge Sheens to honour his word and leave after finals flop
Josh Massoud
The Daily Telegraph
September 22, 2012 12:00AM
\
\
UNDER-fire Tigers coach Tim Sheens gave club power brokers a verbal commitment to stand down if the team failed to qualify for this year's finals.
The 61-year-old's exit is expected to be negotiated in the coming days, following Thursday night's board meeting about his future.
It's understood the overwhelming majority of Tigers directors voted in favour of taking a new direction, despite Sheens having two seasons to run on his current deal.
The board were concerned over how the Tigers crashed out of premiership contention, winning just three of their final 11 matches. The consensus is that senior players are stale after spending their entire careers under the same coach, and badly need a fresh voice.
Sheens stands to earn a further $1 million until the end of 2014, but Wests simply don't have the funds to afford a full pay out.
As well as meeting Sheens yesterday for further negotiations toward a mutual split, Tigers officials are also seeking to raise more money or even shift him to an alternate role such as coaching co-ordinator.
Their plight will be aided immeasurably should New Zealand offer Sheens the vacant coaching post in Auckland, however it's not clear whether the veteran is keen to relocate across the Tasman.
Missing the top eight has put strain on the Tigers' budget, which was already stretched thanks to the financial woes of half-benefactor Balmain Leagues Club.
But the team's absence from the finals has also reminded high-ranking Tigers officials of a promise Sheens made early last year, when his tenure was renewed amid speculation of a return to Penrith.
"Tim told people at the club that he would step down if the team failed to reach the finals," a well-placed Tigers source said. "That's now happened, and there's a feeling that he should uphold his word." The statement was never made at board level, nor is it contractually binding.
In the wake of Thursday night's meeting, Tigers CEO Steve Humphreys confirmed Sheens' position was under review and that a decision would be made swiftly.
He declined to comment when contacted last night.
Should the Tigers reach an agreement with Sheens over the weekend, Sea Eagles assistant coach Matt Parish is favoured to lead the joint venture next season.
Sheens' assistant Peter Gentle - now at Hull FC - is also a chance.
But the future of current football staff, including recruitment manager Warren McDonnell and strength coach Brian Hyder, will be subject to review as well.
Unless he loses support from above, Humphreys will continue despite questions over the past month about recruitment and finances.
The board were critical of Beau Ryan's loss, given his marketability, and now want more input into player retention.
Josh Massoud
The Daily Telegraph
September 22, 2012 12:00AM
\
\
UNDER-fire Tigers coach Tim Sheens gave club power brokers a verbal commitment to stand down if the team failed to qualify for this year's finals.
The 61-year-old's exit is expected to be negotiated in the coming days, following Thursday night's board meeting about his future.
It's understood the overwhelming majority of Tigers directors voted in favour of taking a new direction, despite Sheens having two seasons to run on his current deal.
The board were concerned over how the Tigers crashed out of premiership contention, winning just three of their final 11 matches. The consensus is that senior players are stale after spending their entire careers under the same coach, and badly need a fresh voice.
Sheens stands to earn a further $1 million until the end of 2014, but Wests simply don't have the funds to afford a full pay out.
As well as meeting Sheens yesterday for further negotiations toward a mutual split, Tigers officials are also seeking to raise more money or even shift him to an alternate role such as coaching co-ordinator.
Their plight will be aided immeasurably should New Zealand offer Sheens the vacant coaching post in Auckland, however it's not clear whether the veteran is keen to relocate across the Tasman.
Missing the top eight has put strain on the Tigers' budget, which was already stretched thanks to the financial woes of half-benefactor Balmain Leagues Club.
But the team's absence from the finals has also reminded high-ranking Tigers officials of a promise Sheens made early last year, when his tenure was renewed amid speculation of a return to Penrith.
"Tim told people at the club that he would step down if the team failed to reach the finals," a well-placed Tigers source said. "That's now happened, and there's a feeling that he should uphold his word." The statement was never made at board level, nor is it contractually binding.
In the wake of Thursday night's meeting, Tigers CEO Steve Humphreys confirmed Sheens' position was under review and that a decision would be made swiftly.
He declined to comment when contacted last night.
Should the Tigers reach an agreement with Sheens over the weekend, Sea Eagles assistant coach Matt Parish is favoured to lead the joint venture next season.
Sheens' assistant Peter Gentle - now at Hull FC - is also a chance.
But the future of current football staff, including recruitment manager Warren McDonnell and strength coach Brian Hyder, will be subject to review as well.
Unless he loses support from above, Humphreys will continue despite questions over the past month about recruitment and finances.
The board were critical of Beau Ryan's loss, given his marketability, and now want more input into player retention.
G
Guest
Guest
Call on Tim Sheens's future splits Wests Tigers' playing group
Phil Rothfield
The Daily Telegraph
September 22, 2012 12:00AM
\
\
The relationship between Benji Marshall and Tim Sheens appears strained. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
A DRAMATIC split among Wests Tigers players has emerged over the future of Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens as he fights to save his career.
The four-time premier coach originally had the support of his key players but it changed this week with the departure of Beau Ryan, Chris Heighington and Blake Ayshford.
Five-eighth Benji Marshall recently supported Sheens in his Fairfax newspaper column, laying the blame on the players for the poor results.
"All this talk about Tim Sheens facing the chop at the Wests Tigers is beyond me - I still think he is the best coach in the game," he said.
"If anyone can rebuild the club it's Tim. Even though we didn't have success this year, I still feel he is the man for the job."
His position had obviously changed this week, judging by his sombre mood on The Footy Show.
"The playing group is just as confused as the fans and the sponsors," Marshall said. "They (Ryan and Heighington) are two of my best mates. When they told me I cried for a little bit. When they're your best mates, it's very hard to cop."
Still, not all players are blaming Sheens. Beau Ryan broke down in tears when he fronted the Kangaroos coach on Tuesday afternoon to reveal he was leaving.
He blamed club management for his contract stuff-up, not the coach.
"Tim Sheens has had a great influence on my football and my life," Ryan told The Daily Telegraph.
"I admire and respect him as a footy coach and a person."
Winger Lote Tuqiri and centre Chris Lawrence are also fiercely loyal to Sheens. Skipper Robbie Farah's position is unclear. He has not commented since his teammates announced they were leaving.
The Tigers have been in turmoil since missing out on the play-offs.
A number of former players including Benny Elias and Steve Roach have been working publicly and behind the scenes to remove Sheens.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal one board member approached NSW Blues assistant coach Matt Parish even before Thursday night's board meeting to discuss Sheens' future.
Parish also has the support of the influential former coach Alan Jones.
Parish already had a handshake agreement to be Ricky Stuart's assistant coach at Parramatta but has been told he will be released if he is offered the Tigers' job.
Phil Rothfield
The Daily Telegraph
September 22, 2012 12:00AM
\
\
The relationship between Benji Marshall and Tim Sheens appears strained. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
A DRAMATIC split among Wests Tigers players has emerged over the future of Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens as he fights to save his career.
The four-time premier coach originally had the support of his key players but it changed this week with the departure of Beau Ryan, Chris Heighington and Blake Ayshford.
Five-eighth Benji Marshall recently supported Sheens in his Fairfax newspaper column, laying the blame on the players for the poor results.
"All this talk about Tim Sheens facing the chop at the Wests Tigers is beyond me - I still think he is the best coach in the game," he said.
"If anyone can rebuild the club it's Tim. Even though we didn't have success this year, I still feel he is the man for the job."
His position had obviously changed this week, judging by his sombre mood on The Footy Show.
"The playing group is just as confused as the fans and the sponsors," Marshall said. "They (Ryan and Heighington) are two of my best mates. When they told me I cried for a little bit. When they're your best mates, it's very hard to cop."
Still, not all players are blaming Sheens. Beau Ryan broke down in tears when he fronted the Kangaroos coach on Tuesday afternoon to reveal he was leaving.
He blamed club management for his contract stuff-up, not the coach.
"Tim Sheens has had a great influence on my football and my life," Ryan told The Daily Telegraph.
"I admire and respect him as a footy coach and a person."
Winger Lote Tuqiri and centre Chris Lawrence are also fiercely loyal to Sheens. Skipper Robbie Farah's position is unclear. He has not commented since his teammates announced they were leaving.
The Tigers have been in turmoil since missing out on the play-offs.
A number of former players including Benny Elias and Steve Roach have been working publicly and behind the scenes to remove Sheens.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal one board member approached NSW Blues assistant coach Matt Parish even before Thursday night's board meeting to discuss Sheens' future.
Parish also has the support of the influential former coach Alan Jones.
Parish already had a handshake agreement to be Ricky Stuart's assistant coach at Parramatta but has been told he will be released if he is offered the Tigers' job.
Tigerdave
Well-known member
You'd think if he was staying, they would have come out with that, the guy certainly appears to be going.
The board were critical of Beau Ryan's loss, given his marketability, and now want more input into player retention.
Probably is a bit of a loss in that respect. Would have thought they'd have kept him over Lote based on recent form, when Lote was on the field at any rate.
The board were critical of Beau Ryan's loss, given his marketability, and now want more input into player retention.
Probably is a bit of a loss in that respect. Would have thought they'd have kept him over Lote based on recent form, when Lote was on the field at any rate.
