@Tigerbuck63 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@teddy23 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Tigerbuck63 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Newtown said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@avocadoontoast said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Jedi_Tiger said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

any truth to the rumour we are signing benji for one year and letting walters go to broncos

Hard to imagine a more stupid turn of events if true

‘Life’s not all about money’: Benji Marshall opens up on future
By Zachary Gates
2 hours ago

Legendary playmaker Benji Marshall has spoken for the first time since knocking back a monster pay deal with Super League club Hull FC, declaring “life’s not all about money”. Hopes of Marshall’s illustrious NRL career ending on a fairytale note at Wests Tigers were dashed when coach Michael Maguire in August told him he wouldn’t be offered a contract for 2021.

And while the 2005 premiership hero was reportedly in talks to join the North Queensland Cowboys on a $150,000 contract, and later Hull on a blockbuster $722,000 deal, neither agreement eventuated. Marshall said he had opted to prioritise family over money. “Life’s not all about money and when I thought about the pros and cons, the pros were just about the money,” Marshall told Triple M. "If it was about the money I probably would’ve retired five years ago. "

Good luck Benji your not missed and its not about the $.
Culture is already looking better at WT without having a sook around the team.

When you think Wests Tigers, you think Benji Marshall and vice versa it’s as simple as that… and I don’t see that changing anytime soon

Yes he’s not the player he once was, but that doesn’t mean we should disrespect the greatest player in the clubs history whom had put this team on the map leading us to our first and only premiership, more so respect his decision to wanna play on and wish him all the best and cherish the memories he had once demonstrated at this team and give him the respect he deserves and allow him to do whatever he wishes as we owe him that at the very least wouldn’t you think, I don’t understand why everyone’s so bothered about him believing in himself that he can play another season, it has no barring on us whatsoever if he plays on somewhere else to try further his legacy that’s fine, for all he has done for this club we should support a club legends aspirations not put him down…

I’m not upset we didn’t re-sign benji, I personally think it was the correct decision in terms of this club moving forward however I do think he deserves to be respected and appreciated for the things he has done for this great club, and should be able to make whatever decision he thinks is right for himself and be supported by us fans

Think what you like its your choice, we all have our own thoughts, second time round one things why ask him to come back he never developed any players it was all about him.

I wished him all the best, he was a sook that’s not being disrespectful just stating the facts on how he left.

I think you will find he has rubbed a lot of long term supporters the wrong way not only how he left this time but also the prior time as well. Maybe you don’t recall history but he was one of the main instigators in having Sheens removed then the following season did not see out his contract and went to play rugby union.

Herald Sun - 18/07/2013

BENJI Marshall has walked out on the Wests Tigers _ but wants a return to the club in coming years.

Marshall posted a four minute video on the club’s website today revealing why he made the contentious decision to quit.

“It’s been a hard time for myself and my family but as you all know I have made my decision to move on from the club at the end of this year. It was probably the hardest decision I have had to make,” Marshall said.

"I feel like I have done everything in the game at this club, including winning a premiership, representing my country, captaining my country, winning a Four Nations, winning a World Cup and winning the Golden Boot. Without (the fans) support, a lot of that couldn’t have been achieved.

"I feel like I am the person I am today based upon what I have done at this club. At the end of the day, my decision was based on what was best for myself and my family. Not only that but what was best for the club also.

"I know some people won’t be happy but some will be happy to see me go. That’s life, rugby league is a game and the club is bigger than me.

"I will honour my words about not playing for another (NRL) club. There is no other NRL club for me to play for. The Tigers are my home and will always be my home.

“I have seen guys like Mark O’Neill leave, go to England and then come back to the club. I am hoping to do the same in some capacity after I retire, maybe be involved with the club. Hopefully get back into it somewhere.”

Marshall said he was not angry at the club.

“There is no hard feeling between myself or the club,” he said.

"A the end of they day they did what they thought they could in the (salary) cap to keep me but this decision goes far further beyond than money.

“If it was in the past I could have take more money to go elsewhere. I feel like I have given my life to the club. Eleven years is a long time. I will never forget the years I had here.”

Well he did not play for another club but more than one, was given a lifeline to come back, Madge selected him also to play for NZ after 7 years being exiled.

Lastly 2005 was not all about Marshall there is no i in Team.
Agree Marshall will be remembered for being a great player for the Tigers but he will also now be remembered for being someone that wanted to play on too long as should have retired back in 2018.

Say what you like about him does not take away from the fact
he is the greatest player to have played for west’s tigers

Of course it’s all Marshall’s fault,all the points we are leaking the try’s we are scoring.Its all on Marshall some of you have blinkers on

@AJ1 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Goanna57 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Tigerbuck63 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@teddy23 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Tigerbuck63 said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Newtown said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@avocadoontoast said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

@Jedi_Tiger said in Signing Suggestions & Rumours:

any truth to the rumour we are signing benji for one year and letting walters go to broncos

Hard to imagine a more stupid turn of events if true

‘Life’s not all about money’: Benji Marshall opens up on future
By Zachary Gates
2 hours ago

Legendary playmaker Benji Marshall has spoken for the first time since knocking back a monster pay deal with Super League club Hull FC, declaring “life’s not all about money”. Hopes of Marshall’s illustrious NRL career ending on a fairytale note at Wests Tigers were dashed when coach Michael Maguire in August told him he wouldn’t be offered a contract for 2021.

And while the 2005 premiership hero was reportedly in talks to join the North Queensland Cowboys on a $150,000 contract, and later Hull on a blockbuster $722,000 deal, neither agreement eventuated. Marshall said he had opted to prioritise family over money. “Life’s not all about money and when I thought about the pros and cons, the pros were just about the money,” Marshall told Triple M. "If it was about the money I probably would’ve retired five years ago. "

Good luck Benji your not missed and its not about the $.
Culture is already looking better at WT without having a sook around the team.

When you think Wests Tigers, you think Benji Marshall and vice versa it’s as simple as that… and I don’t see that changing anytime soon

Yes he’s not the player he once was, but that doesn’t mean we should disrespect the greatest player in the clubs history whom had put this team on the map leading us to our first and only premiership, more so respect his decision to wanna play on and wish him all the best and cherish the memories he had once demonstrated at this team and give him the respect he deserves and allow him to do whatever he wishes as we owe him that at the very least wouldn’t you think, I don’t understand why everyone’s so bothered about him believing in himself that he can play another season, it has no barring on us whatsoever if he plays on somewhere else to try further his legacy that’s fine, for all he has done for this club we should support a club legends aspirations not put him down…

I’m not upset we didn’t re-sign benji, I personally think it was the correct decision in terms of this club moving forward however I do think he deserves to be respected and appreciated for the things he has done for this great club, and should be able to make whatever decision he thinks is right for himself and be supported by us fans

Think what you like its your choice, we all have our own thoughts, second time round one things why ask him to come back he never developed any players it was all about him.

I wished him all the best, he was a sook that’s not being disrespectful just stating the facts on how he left.

I think you will find he has rubbed a lot of long term supporters the wrong way not only how he left this time but also the prior time as well. Maybe you don’t recall history but he was one of the main instigators in having Sheens removed then the following season did not see out his contract and went to play rugby union.

Herald Sun - 18/07/2013

BENJI Marshall has walked out on the Wests Tigers _ but wants a return to the club in coming years.

Marshall posted a four minute video on the club’s website today revealing why he made the contentious decision to quit.

“It’s been a hard time for myself and my family but as you all know I have made my decision to move on from the club at the end of this year. It was probably the hardest decision I have had to make,” Marshall said.

"I feel like I have done everything in the game at this club, including winning a premiership, representing my country, captaining my country, winning a Four Nations, winning a World Cup and winning the Golden Boot. Without (the fans) support, a lot of that couldn’t have been achieved.

"I feel like I am the person I am today based upon what I have done at this club. At the end of the day, my decision was based on what was best for myself and my family. Not only that but what was best for the club also.

"I know some people won’t be happy but some will be happy to see me go. That’s life, rugby league is a game and the club is bigger than me.

"I will honour my words about not playing for another (NRL) club. There is no other NRL club for me to play for. The Tigers are my home and will always be my home.

“I have seen guys like Mark O’Neill leave, go to England and then come back to the club. I am hoping to do the same in some capacity after I retire, maybe be involved with the club. Hopefully get back into it somewhere.”

Marshall said he was not angry at the club.

“There is no hard feeling between myself or the club,” he said.

"A the end of they day they did what they thought they could in the (salary) cap to keep me but this decision goes far further beyond than money.

“If it was in the past I could have take more money to go elsewhere. I feel like I have given my life to the club. Eleven years is a long time. I will never forget the years I had here.”

Well he did not play for another club but more than one, was given a lifeline to come back, Madge selected him also to play for NZ after 7 years being exiled.

Lastly 2005 was not all about Marshall there is no i in Team.
Agree Marshall will be remembered for being a great player for the Tigers but he will also now be remembered for being someone that wanted to play on too long as should have retired back in 2018.

Say what you like about him does not take away from the fact
he is the greatest player to have played for west’s tigers

Tedesco says hi

Mate Tedesco is a dog who turned he’s back on the club after we stood by him after 2 bad injuries. He left as he was about to reach his peak so no he is nowhere near our best

There’s a lot of people saying Benji should be nowhere near the side this or next year as a player.His position is there for anyone good enough to take it away from him and yet we still wait.I’m guessing that’s Benjis. fault as well

Why are we even talking about a player who is no longer with the club,and getting hot and bothered
Isn’t it time everyone moves on from Benji

@Magpie1969 said in A crucial period for Madge...:

It’s not just us. 5 coaches shown the door this season must be some sort of record. Still believe Maguire is our answer but he needs to adapt a game plan suitable to the players available. Also needs to fix the right hand defence and tackle 5 options.

Agree with your thoughts except the one on Maguire I was a believer but not anymore.I don’t know if the rumour of him and the cowboys has had an impact on the players or it’s just him .I know the players we have are not up to scratch but the coach has to get the best out of what he has and right now I am not seeing any improvement just the opposite

For mine the most pleasing thing about today was the depth we now look to have, not just depth but good quality
replacements first time for a long time

@MAGPIES1963 With all your negativity towards the club happy to hear you have cancelled your membership now if you could give upon one more thing

@twentyforty said in Wests Tigers Team v Canberra Rd 5:

@TCL said in Wests Tigers Team v Canberra Rd 5:

Changes were needed. If nothing else it sends a mage with Benji being dropped.

I think it’s a Madge and Benji tactic. At least madges and Benji is playing his part.

I’m happy with the changes in the roster. Pleased Benji got dropped. I think the Titans game fell apart in the first 10 minutes for the Tigers. At the 5min mark when Brooks had 2 options and decided to pass to Grant who scored, it appeared to upset Benji who was calling for the ball. Brooks made the right call imo. It’s often stated that a team plays well under good leadership, but not enough emphasis is placed on the value of every players’ leadership skills. Hopefully Madge can expose and nurture leadership qualities in every player.
Don’t be too surprised if the Tigers win this one against the Raiders.

Mate how many excuses over how many years for brooks,it’s Benji it’s Robbie it’s the ball boy it seems it’s everyone except brooks for his lack of leadership and game management geez it might even be my fault for supporting the tigers

I for one am disappointed that we missed out on JAC a player of his ability whould have been most welcome.
But I’m even more disappointed and concerned that he whould go to the dogs rather than tigers,it can’t just be money that we keep missing out on high profile players.I think the question needs to be asked why

A much improved performance but I think we had enough of the play to go on with it just lacked a class player or 2 .
Let’s hope we can continue on the same path next week

@truetiger said in Sack Madge:

@geo said in Sack Madge:

@truetiger said in Sack Madge:

Obviously with the players he has to work with,no easy task…

You know he signed or re-signed 26 of the current 28 NRL squad + every development and train and trial player we have…

If Madge can’t work with them who can…that’s his job …the ‘not his team reason’ ran out last year IMO…

What Im saying GEO,is the amount of youth and experience he has to work with,younger ones to learn their trade and older ones to adapt to Madges structures makes it a harder task than if he had this team say for 3 years…
I agree that he signed or resigned 99% of them but he has to get them all to play as a unit…I dont think this happens overnight…Liddle not being included and Simpkins straight in the starting side might give us an idea how far Madge is going to get the right formula and results he needs to get this team winning games…
Laurie has proven he can compete in the NRL arena and Im glad we have him,but he isnt a Teddy or Rts yet…

It seems to be happening at the dragons with a coach who just walked into the place sorry just more excuses for him

It’s like watching a train wreck you don’t want to but you know you will have a look,so yes i will watch I will just pop an extra blood pressure pill or 2

In Madge we trust

@leonard-day said in Sack Madge:

last time i looked, theres 13 against 13, thats even to start a game, it then depends on the coaches defence structures and attack structures to make a difference for your team, i know having some good cattle makes a difference, but alot of the good cattle have been taught properly by there coach to make them better players, you look at holbrook and hook they came into teams who were going bad and they have turned them around, to be agood coach you have to be a good listener and put good people around you to have different opinions and to be open to your players and be able to change when things are going wrong, you cant have things set in concrete so you cant change things

Great post mate just what is Maguire’s job if not to get the team to improve I have been asking this question for 2 season just to get screamed down by some

@shooter-mcgavin said in Good enough for a serious team:

Defence is our biggest issue I reckon which stems from attitude mainly. Conceding over 30 points a game on AVG for our last 15 games is atrocious and not something Benji would help with his arm grabs. He doesn’t have an Arrow or Murray to cover his misses.

I reckon our attack is okay without being spectacular, so in my opinion that’s why he’s not a great fit. Additionally at South’s he has a point to prove in a sense, if he had stayed here he has nothing to prove and that can lead to complacency

Sorry to say our attack is only just above our defence one out hit ups bomb hope opposition drop it we get lucky

All I know is this club is like a politician lot of promises that they never fulfill

@jirskyr said in Sack Madge:

@avocadoontoast said in Sack Madge:

@jirskyr said in Sack Madge:

So your solution, if a coach can’t improve the side’s ladder position after an average first season, is to punt the coach in the third season?

Pretty much. It’s quite obvious we’re heading backwards, not forwards. There has been no progress, no improvement. He can’t get us competing.

Haha good luck to the next bloke then. He gets 1 year’s grace to take over from Madge, 1 legitimate year where he is measured, gets cut start of the third year if not surpassing the 2nd year inside 5 rounds.

You do recall of course, last time we course-corrected the coach in the first few rounds of his third year, all our best players left?

The way we are going at the moment it won’t matter beside any of our so-called better players right now are not even in the same category

@avocadoontoast said in Sack Madge:

@jirskyr said in Sack Madge:

@avocadoontoast said in Sack Madge:

The way he’s going he won’t last until the end of this year and nor should he. 28 of the top 30 were signed or re-signed by Maguire. Whether you like it or not, this is his team. More disturbingly, the more signings he’s made the worse we’ve gone.

A couple of points:

(1) It’s not simply “Madge’s team” in sense of the roster. Since Cleary the club don’t let the coach do 100% of the hiring and firing, so it’s actually a committee making the decisions and Madge can be over-ruled. Madge is supposed to get results out of players even if he personally didn’t seek the player out.

(2) When you inherit some massive salaries, that affects the decision-making. Yes 28/30 or whatever were signed under Maguire, but he’s still had to deal with the Packer, Mbye, Reynolds decisions, plus the salary cap dent due to Farahgate. Sometimes the coach and committee have to do what they can, e.g. sign or re-sign average players, until the the funds become available for something better. You still need to field 30 every year.

I still think it’s very hard for a coach to take on a struggling club and be expected to just turn it around. Yes it can be argued we are not improving but Madge has only been at the club 2 years and 5 rounds, and the first year was absolutely in the shadow of Ivan Clearly leaving, so arguably one full season properly in charge.

It’s not as if Madge had a good side and they turned bad when he joined. In many ways we are like Warriors, Knights, clubs like that… there’s some fundamental cultural issue that many coaches have tried and seemingly failed to change.

In his first year here with Cleary’s roster we were 1 game from making the 8. Since then it’s been a gradual decline. Unfortunately the longer he’s here, the worse it’s getting. It’s not working.

Some just can’t see it

@avocadoontoast said in Sack Madge:

@mikey said in Sack Madge:

@goanna57 said in Sack Madge:

@avocadoontoast said in Sack Madge:

@tigerwest said in Sack Madge:

@blocker1963 said in Sack Madge:

Said it few weeks ago, no depth in attack and to structured, every Team has an attack and defensive coach, but Madge would oversee, so overall he is responsible. All the Top Teams have adjusted to the new rules, and speed of the game, not us. Event ST G Illawarra when using a power game, ran hard and tackled hard. Big Problems in Tigertown

So Madge trains and coaches them to miss tackles, walk in attack, drop the ball and basically play crap, does he?

There would be a few players who would be very sheepish to turn up this morning.

When do the players take responsibility for their own performances? Most (if not all) are on $300k+ a season, that’s over $5k a week (I would have worked 24/7 for that) and that’s the lower paid blokes, that is big money for anyone, never mind a bunch of kids, don’t think it’s too much to ask them to earn their pay?

Are you suggesting the coach who signed/re-signed these players isn’t responsible?

And this is the point most defending him are missing

Not sure the people who stick up for him are missing the point. Yes, there are some of his signings that don’t appear to be performing atm but there are still a number of his non-signings that aren’t working out and will be with us for some more time.
The point most of the sack-him sayers are missing is this is a long-haul fix. You can’t change a ‘I won’t put in’ or ‘It’s someone else’s fault’ mentality overnight - this has been allowed to fester for more than a decade through a series of coaches, managements and players. It also doesn’t help when ex-players dish out crap on the club. I hope we legally smash Marshall this week.
Madge has rebuilt two clubs - the job appears to be bigger here. Give him till the end of next year. Maybe it will work out and maybe it won’t but pulling the pin on him now will only lead to more unhappiness and a rudderless ship. Not to mention probably even more years as the laughing stock of the NRL.

The way he’s going he won’t last until the end of this year and nor should he. 28 of the top 30 were signed or re-signed by Maguire. Whether you like it or not, this is his team. More disturbingly, the more signings he’s made the worse we’ve gone.

Prior to the start of this season St George were tipped to get the spoon. They lost Frizell
to the Knights and McGuinness (to injury) and they picked up Andrew McCullough and Daniel Alvaro. And yet, somehow, Griffin has got them firing. Why is that? Why can he get the most out of a team that absolutely isn’t his and Madge can’t get anything out of a team he assembled? And I couldn’t care less what he’s done in the past because whatever it is, it isn’t working here. Looking at where we currently are i’d say he’s been the worst coach we’ve had since Sheens left.

100% correct avoc