This is definitely a little bit of shock but when the shock element fades and reality kicks in this is a good move. The negative comments towards Sheens baffles me, the bloke legitimately took a farewell bullet for the club in order for us to best thrust Benji into the coaching role without the outside noise. Taking on the Wests Tigers job at the point Madge left for a rookie coach would've been potential career suicide, hence why Ciraldo knocked us back. This isn't due to us never having the ability to be successful, but more due to the early stages we were always destined to struggle and the negative media portrayal of the club is already dangerously high. The media pressure if we started Benji straight away (rookie unproven coach) and lost a few games early would've been the topic of the NRL as how unprofessional our club is to give Benji a chance and that can hurt or alter a lot of players confidence within to start to question themselves or the club... whether we think that's the right thing or not it's reality.
The plan was always for Sheens to coach for two years to take all the hits Benji would've got and then the goal for us to make positive strides in 2024 with Benji coming in 2025 with some momentum. Unfortunately 2023 was always a feel out year to who fits Benji's style of play, the expectation is to always make the 8 but 2023 most likely wasn't going to be the year. Sheens sole reason was to take all the hits in the media and from us fans and when the wheels slowly start moving get Benji in as the head coach.
It seems something has been brewing behind the scenes with the Board/Sheens and they probably think Benji is ready to take the step right now. It all went a little pear shaped when they sacked McDonnell and hired Fulton (personally think it was the right decision, yet wrongly executed) when you have three personalities like that it could disrupt the flow a little hence why they made the decision to stand him down or vice versa. For what it's worth, I've got some sources within the club and the feedback I'm getting is besides the results our club has been more united than ever. Players enjoy coming to training and the culture is strong they all want to play for each other. All players are determined to help make a change and get this club back into finals football..... all credit goes to Benji for that apparently he's been strong into turning the club culture into a "family culture" similar to Penrith. They all want to play for Benji and they all think Benji is going to be a fantastic coach... me included and I think Api agrees too.
I think we've actually been a well coached side this year - injuries to Brooks, Api and AD really derailed our season and the decision to get rid of Hastings wasn't the correct one but in fairness to the coaching staff it's tough to predict injuries to a sole position like that. When Brandon Wakeham and Will Smith are your starting halves on some occasions we're never going to win any NRL games. However, the club have now signed the most highly rated 6 prospect in Fainu, a very very flashy yet capable player in Sullivan and then combined that with the experience and exceptional kicking game in Seizer so to say they've addressed that issue is an understatement.
The last couple of weeks we've really stood strong against top 4 sides - give Benji the full preseason with our new halves under this pack and 2024 can be the year we crack the 8 I really do believe it. If you take notice both Sullivan/Faniu have something in common they're flashy and exciting playmakers that isn't by mistake. I think next year with Benji taking over and installing his play style we're gonna see a flashy yet effective Wests Tigers team in 2024 and I for one can't wait to see it. I just hope Sheens still has some involvement in the club because his experience and pedigree would be welcomed anywhere.
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