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WESTS Tigers and coach Tim Sheens could part ways as early as today.
The Daily Telegraph understands a board meeting scheduled for tonight could end Sheens’ 10-year reign at the Concord club.
Sheens has been under immense pressure since his side - NRL pre-season favourites - crashed out of contention before this year’s NRL finals.
It is understood that senior figures feel the club must bring in a new coach for 2013 or face another season of mediocrity.
Wests Tigers sources hope Sheens can land the vacant New Zealand Warriors job to avoid having to sack him.
He still has another two years remaining on his contract but the Tigers hope an easy and financially-friendly settlement can be reached.
A replacement coach has already been discussed with Sheens’ future the subject of consternation for the past three weeks. Sheens was aware he had a tough fight to remain head coach for next season.
He could still survive - but it is highly unlikely.
Peter Gentle and Nathan Brown have been mentioned as possible replacements but are unlikely to win the plum job. Mick Potter is another.
Wests Tigers attracted enormous fan criticism this week by releasing centre Beau Ryan and back-rower Chris Heighington, two of their best this season.
Ryan has joined Cronulla, Heighington is expected to follow. Sheens, to his credit, felt the need to “shake up” his roster after a season of disappointment.
Social websites have exploded in recent days calling for Sheens to leave the club immediately.
Sheens has the support of his players and coaching staff but it is understood that he doesn’t, as of last night, have the unanimous support at board level.
Wests Tigers board members hope he will leave with dignity and composure.
Sheens guided Wests Tigers to the 2005 premiership - beating North Queensland in the grand final - but the club has been unable to reach lofty heights since.
New Zealand Warriors management are known to be interested in Sheens although the Test coach has said he would be reluctant to shift base to Auckland.
Sheens has won four premierships - one with Wests Tigers and three at Canberra - and is one of rugby league’s great survivors. He has coached since 1984.
However many believe Wests Tigers players need to hear a “fresh voice” in 2013.
Club sponsors are known to be restless with the results and decision to allow Ryan and Heighington to walk away.
Wests Tigers players never clicked into gear this year and are now watching the play-offs on television.
The Tigers are poised to re-sign winger Lote Tuqiri and sign prop Brent Kite from Manly.
Source. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/tim-sheenss-ten-year-reign-at-wests-tigers-under-threat/story-e6frexnr-1226477599616 -
WOW, looks like Sheens is on the brink. Please be true.
Anyway, it really is the right time for the board to pull the plug. If he does go he can look back with his held held high and im sure there will be a flood of well deserved positive postsabout his reign. Im sure most fans will say he achieved a lot here, but it really is full time for him and hopefully the board show him the door.
Ill save my positive post about Sheens before this is made official. Don’t want to get ahead of myself.
PS - Please not Peter Gentle. NO ONE WHO HAS WORKED AT CONCORD UNDER SHEENS
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