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Wests Tigers Coaches 2024

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,233
Sullivan...... was forced on us by Mario Tartak as part of negotiations to get the Fainu brothers to concord.Tartak manages them all.
As far as coaching goes, no matter who it is, they want the best roster and they want it now.
It's hard to convince a coach [especially one that's just taken over a club] to hang in there whilst the youngins are developing. They know only too well that their job security is dependant on success.
We have said time and time again that we are a development club only to sack the coach before our talent takes root.
We are starting to put our statement into action by giving a lot of youngins a taste of first grade in recent seasons.
However....they knew players like Lachlan Galvin were about to hit the scene but we went out and secured another 3 half backs then introduced Galvin.
Then then went hard and paid overs for someone who isn't the head playmaker at Penrith.
Why is that?
Panic buying to ensure that Benji's transition was going to get off to a good start and hopefully it will all work out if we close our eyes?
A lot of members on the forum probably know why we did this but I'm yet to hear any logical reasons why. The Mario Tartak comment might be as close as we get, thanks for sharing @Tiger Ted
One theory I have is it's easy to get rid of players than to recruit them.
Is Benji smarter than what we think he is? Has he a sneaky plan that we aren't privy to?
Benji dug his heels in and stopped short of trowing a tantrum regarding his wanting Justin Olam and Adrian Sezer to join us. Goodbye Scott Fulton.
After watching the Rd3 Cronulla game, I can see why he wanted those two.
By round 15 or so, we may know a little bit more why we started the year with Fainu, Sullivan, Sezer, Galvin and Luai to come.
There are a plethora of other players whose future at the Wests Tigers depend on who Benji wants during his tenure... players like AD, Lobb, Alaimalo, Twal, Matamua, Kepaoa, Naden, Feledy, Saukuru, Tumeth, Simpkin, Miller, Kit Laulilii, Faagutu, Sukkar.
There are a lot more in KOE and pathways too that will eventually go or stay with Benji's call.
I see these decisions either making or braking him because of his coaching inexperience.
According to Richo it's Benji's roster now and it's been stated publicly that Marshall will get who he wants.
We'll soon see if Benji has a sustainable working model. It can't be as bad as some of those that preceded him. ;)
 
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Tigerm

Coach
Messages
10,728
As far as coaching goes, no matter who it is, they want the best roster and they want it now.
It's hard to convince a coach [especially one that's just taken over a club] to hang in there whilst the youngins are developing. They know only too well that their job security is dependant on success.
We have said time and time again that we are a development club only to sack the coach before our talent takes root.
We are starting to put our statement into action by giving a lot of youngins a taste of first grade in recent seasons.
However....they knew players like Lachlan Galvin were about to hit the scene but we went out and secured another 3 half backs then introduced Galvin.
Then then went hard and paid overs for someone who isn't the head playmaker at Penrith.
Why is that?
Panic buying to ensure that Benji's transition was going to get off to a good start and hopefully it will all work out if we close our eyes?
A lot of members on the forum probably know why we did this but I'm yet to hear any logical reasons why. The Mario Tartak comment might be as close as we get, thanks for sharing @Tiger Ted
One theory I have is it's easy to get rid of players than to recruit them.
Is Benji smarter than what we think he is? Has he a sneaky plan that we aren't privy to?
Benji dug his heels in and stopped short of trowing a tantrum regarding his wanting Justin Olam and Adrian Sezer to join us. Goodbye Scott Fulton.
After watching the Rd3 Cronulla game, I can see why he wanted those two.
By round 15 or so, we may know a little bit more why we started the year with Fainu, Sullivan, Sezer, Galvin and Luai to come.
There are a plethora of other players whose future at the Wests Tigers depend on who Benji wants during his tenure... players like AD, Lobb, Alaimalo, Twal, Matamua, Kepaoa, Naden, Feledy, Saukuru, Tumeth, Simpkin, Miller, Kit Laulilii, Faagutu, Sukkar.
There are a lot more in KOE and pathways too that will eventually go or stay with Benji's call.
I see these decisions either making or braking him because of his coaching inexperience.
According to Richo it's Benji's roster now and it's been stated publicly that Marshall will get who he wants.
We'll soon see if Benji has a sustainable working model. It can't be as bad as some of those that preceded him. ;)
I think we brought Luai into our system, because we needed someone who knew what winning looked like.
Api can't do it on his own and his contract ends in '25?
We have some solid players in positions now, Api, Olam, Bateman, Papi, Klem & Sezer, who can only help and guide the young blokes coming through, with what it means to be a professional sportsman, remembering they are still in there late teens and we have done f**k all for over a decade.
When you look at the pathway results, all the clubs have some red hot kids coming through, our ones are no certainties.
I certainly don't think Luai is a panic buy, not only will he help us on the field, it will also show other players (if we need them) that we may be worthy of consideration, instead of just a flat NO?

In the end, it's a professional sport and imo, being a development club is just bullshit, it's all about winning.
 
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Pezz70

Juniors
Messages
1,977
I think we brought Luai into our system, because we needed someone who knew what winning looked like.
Api can't do it on his own and his contract ends in '25?
We have some solid players in positions now, Api, Olam, Bateman, Papi, Klem & Sezer, who can only help and guide the young blokes coming through, with what it means to be a professional sportsman, remembering they are still in there late teens and we have done f**k all for over a decade.
When you look at the pathway results, all the clubs have some red hot kids coming through, our ones are no certainties.
I certainly don't think Luai is a panic buy, not only will he help us on the field, it will also show other players (if we need them) that we may be worthy of consideration, instead of just a flat NO?

In the end, it's a professional sport and imo, being a development club is just bullshit, it's all about winning.
Api is end of 2026, was 24 with a mutual option for 25 but was extended last year u til the end of 26 season
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,233
I think we brought Luai into our system, because we needed someone who knew what winning looked like...
I certainly don't think Luai is a panic buy...
Gee I must have hit a nerve, my replies were lit up like a Christmas tree this morning.
You make sense with the winning culture Tm.
We had to move on dead wood that were part of that pathetic losing team, particularly those who attributed to getting 2 wooden spoons and made a mockery of special occasions at home grounds. The sooner the better and that meant the board too.

Luai wasn't a panic buy. We had plenty of time to decide to chase him.
It's a pity that it happened the way it did... that's the main reason I didn't like it.
He coming now and that's better than if he wasn't. He should attract more quality players to join us and maybe having Luai is the main reason Galvin stays with us.
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
10,728
Gee I must have hit a nerve, my replies were lit up like a Christmas tree this morning.
You make sense with the winning culture Tm.
We had to move on dead wood that were part of that pathetic losing team, particularly those who attributed to getting 2 wooden spoons and made a mockery of special occasions at home grounds. The sooner the better and that meant the board too.

Luai wasn't a panic buy. We had plenty of time to decide to chase him.
It's a pity that it happened the way it did... that's the main reason I didn't like it.
He coming now and that's better than if he wasn't. He should attract more quality players to join us and maybe having Luai is the main reason Galvin stays with us.
“having Luai is the main reason Galvin stays with us.”

When I was talking to Benji, I did mention that may be the case hahahaha
 

Tigerm

Coach
Messages
10,728
NRL on twitter

'The fabric of Wests Tigers': Inside what makes Benji tick​

AuthorBrad WalterNRL Senior ReporterTimestampSat 6 Apr 2024, 08:01 AM
Brad Walter

Share on social media​

Adam Doueihi was practicing long range field goals after Wests Tigers training on Thursday when coach Benji Marshall walked up and asked him for the ball.
Receiving a pass from the injured playmaker, Marshall casually dropped the ball onto his right foot and slotted it between the posts.
Pumping his fist in celebration, the 39-year-old turned and walked from the field.

Marshall has long since swapped his playing boots for a coach’s clipboard, but Wests Tigers players are quickly learning how competitive he still is and how the one-time superstar playmaker can do almost anything he tries at a high level.
A fanatical golfer, Marshall plays off a handicap of six at Concord Golf Club, where he regularly has a hit between matches and even on game day.
Benji Marshall has masterminded back-to-back wins in his first four matches as Wests Tigers coach.
Benji Marshall has masterminded back-to-back wins in his first four matches as Wests Tigers coach. ©Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
The 2022 'Celebrity Apprentice' winner also plays piano and guitar, despite never having had a lesson, and was in a band that performed at Gold Coast Casino.
Moving from New Zealand in his teens to attend Keebra Park High on a sporting scholarship, Marshall’s marks were so high he could have obtained university entry for any subject he wanted, except medicine.
Instead, the Australian Schoolboys rugby league and mixed touch representative chose a career in the NRL, and Wests Tigers players are now backing Marshall to have a similar impact as a coach as he did as a player after back-to-back wins.

“Benji and the other coaching staff make up the fabric of the Wests Tigers,” said prop Alex Twal, who is the only surviving member of the squad from the last time the club won three consecutive matches in 2018.
“Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah are names you think of when you think of the Wests Tigers so to have them at the helm leading the charge is a very humbling for us as players.”
'Our motto is do or die': Wests Tigers celebrate win with new song

RELATEDWESTS TIGERS

'Our motto is do or die': Wests Tigers celebrate win with new song

Former Kangaroos prop David Klemmer said: “Benji has been good for everyone’s confidence, he is believing in everyone and backing everyone. He has made it enjoyable.
“It is a breath of fresh air for the whole footy club. It is not going to happen overnight, it is going to take some time but the club is going in the right direction and it has got a new energy about it”.

Energy is something Marshall has never lacked but he never does anything half-hearted, as those who have teed off with him on the golf course can attest.


“I only bought my clubs last year but I’ve thrown them out,” Klemmer said. “A few of the boys are trying to get back into it but I’m a terrible golfer.”

England forward John Bateman said: “Some of the boys have said he is very good but the last place I want to be is on a golf course. If I did, I would probably snap my clubs in half."

To put Marshall’s golfing prowess into context, Knights captain Kalyn Ponga, who was a New Zealand junior champion, plays off a five handicap.

Marshall’s Instagram page features posts of him playing golf at courses around Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, as well as memories from his 346 NRL appearances for Wests Tigers, the Dragons, Broncos and Rabbitohs, and 31 Tests for the Kiwis.

Music is another passion for Marshall, who was in a band with mates from Keebra Park that performed regularly and won a state-wide competition to play before a conference of Queensland school principals at Gold Coast Casino.

Marshall played guitar from a young age and taught himself to play piano and drums while helping Wests Tigers to the 2005 premiership.

“You only have to see Benji when he trains to know he is probably one of those people who is good at everything,” Bateman said.

“He is a good fellow to be around, he is approachable and that is what you want in a coach. He is getting the best out of us as a team and we are all enjoying it.”
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,233
NRL on twitter

'The fabric of Wests Tigers': Inside what makes Benji tick​

AuthorBrad WalterNRL Senior ReporterTimestampSat 6 Apr 2024, 08:01 AM
Brad Walter

Share on social media​

Adam Doueihi was practicing long range field goals after Wests Tigers training on Thursday when coach Benji Marshall walked up and asked him for the ball.
Receiving a pass from the injured playmaker, Marshall casually dropped the ball onto his right foot and slotted it between the posts.
Pumping his fist in celebration, the 39-year-old turned and walked from the field.

Marshall has long since swapped his playing boots for a coach’s clipboard, but Wests Tigers players are quickly learning how competitive he still is and how the one-time superstar playmaker can do almost anything he tries at a high level.
A fanatical golfer, Marshall plays off a handicap of six at Concord Golf Club, where he regularly has a hit between matches and even on game day.
Benji Marshall has masterminded back-to-back wins in his first four matches as Wests Tigers coach.
Benji Marshall has masterminded back-to-back wins in his first four matches as Wests Tigers coach. ©Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos
The 2022 'Celebrity Apprentice' winner also plays piano and guitar, despite never having had a lesson, and was in a band that performed at Gold Coast Casino.
Moving from New Zealand in his teens to attend Keebra Park High on a sporting scholarship, Marshall’s marks were so high he could have obtained university entry for any subject he wanted, except medicine.
Instead, the Australian Schoolboys rugby league and mixed touch representative chose a career in the NRL, and Wests Tigers players are now backing Marshall to have a similar impact as a coach as he did as a player after back-to-back wins.

“Benji and the other coaching staff make up the fabric of the Wests Tigers,” said prop Alex Twal, who is the only surviving member of the squad from the last time the club won three consecutive matches in 2018.
“Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah are names you think of when you think of the Wests Tigers so to have them at the helm leading the charge is a very humbling for us as players.”
'Our motto is do or die': Wests Tigers celebrate win with new song'Our motto is do or die': Wests Tigers celebrate win with new song

RELATEDWESTS TIGERS

'Our motto is do or die': Wests Tigers celebrate win with new song

Former Kangaroos prop David Klemmer said: “Benji has been good for everyone’s confidence, he is believing in everyone and backing everyone. He has made it enjoyable.
“It is a breath of fresh air for the whole footy club. It is not going to happen overnight, it is going to take some time but the club is going in the right direction and it has got a new energy about it”.

Energy is something Marshall has never lacked but he never does anything half-hearted, as those who have teed off with him on the golf course can attest.


“I only bought my clubs last year but I’ve thrown them out,” Klemmer said. “A few of the boys are trying to get back into it but I’m a terrible golfer.”

England forward John Bateman said: “Some of the boys have said he is very good but the last place I want to be is on a golf course. If I did, I would probably snap my clubs in half."

To put Marshall’s golfing prowess into context, Knights captain Kalyn Ponga, who was a New Zealand junior champion, plays off a five handicap.

Marshall’s Instagram page features posts of him playing golf at courses around Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, as well as memories from his 346 NRL appearances for Wests Tigers, the Dragons, Broncos and Rabbitohs, and 31 Tests for the Kiwis.

Music is another passion for Marshall, who was in a band with mates from Keebra Park that performed regularly and won a state-wide competition to play before a conference of Queensland school principals at Gold Coast Casino.

Marshall played guitar from a young age and taught himself to play piano and drums while helping Wests Tigers to the 2005 premiership.

“You only have to see Benji when he trains to know he is probably one of those people who is good at everything,” Bateman said.

“He is a good fellow to be around, he is approachable and that is what you want in a coach. He is getting the best out of us as a team and we are all enjoying it.”
Awesome read mate, nice pick-up.
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,233
I would keep Morris and Robbie but Chris Heighington I'm not so sure about. The players seem to ignore him.... I've seen this on at least two occasions.
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,233
I’ll admit that Benji has surprised me so far, so Ive got to the “benefit of the doubt” level.

But I don’t care about his golf or what he had for breakfast. All that nonsense.

I am seeing better performances from retained players and I appreciate that.
Agree TSP, the golfing is desperate journo crap.
Journos are an necessary evil.
Without them we wouldn't have anything to read or watch so it's nice to pick up on the good stuff now and then.
Like you, I do give a lot of stuff the flick these days....like Kent and Co.
 
Messages
17,020
Agree TSP, the golfing is desperate journo crap.
Journos are an necessary evil.
Without them we wouldn't have anything to read or watch so it's nice to pick up on the good stuff now and then.
Like you, I do give a lot of stuff the flick these days....like Kent and Co.
Yeah it’s just opinion based entertainment.

Occasionally they might drop a fact that’s interesting.

I honestly thought Benji wasn’t up to it, but I’m revising that.

I know it’s early, but he’s showing something with a pretty raw side in many ways. I hope he can kick on.

This weekend is not a given. Saints are amped up. The benches suggest a looming bloodbath.
 

Nutz

First Grade
Messages
5,233
Yeah it’s just opinion based entertainment.

Occasionally they might drop a fact that’s interesting.

I honestly thought Benji wasn’t up to it, but I’m revising that.

I know it’s early, but he’s showing something with a pretty raw side in many ways. I hope he can kick on.

This weekend is not a given. Saints are amped up. The benches suggest a looming bloodbath.
Cool avatar :)
 

WA Tiger

Bench
Messages
4,721
Apparently Benji is very intelligent. He got marks in year 12 to qualify him for every single course at university except medicine wow.. Coaching is a daunting task. Steve jobs .He was a sensitive Pisces an effective leader but somewhat crazy as is musk.. but both are/were extremely intelligent .. I think intelligence can very much help your chances as a leader and make up for Benjis Pisces introversion..I’d love to have another 30 IQ points
 
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Messages
17,020
Apparently Benji is very intelligent. He got marks in year 12 to qualify him for every single course at university except medicine wow.. Coaching is a daunting task. Steve jobs .He was a sensitive Pisces an effective leader but somewhat crazy as is musk.. but both extremely intelligent .. I think intelligence can very much help your chances as a leader and make up for Benjis Pisces natural introversion..I’d love to have another 30 IQ points
I’d think we’d all love another 30 points!

I was very skeptical, but so far he’s got a lot of players up and we’ve seen some good set plays.

So credit where it’s due WA.
 
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