LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Whether you hail from the suburbs of Leichhardt or call Campbelltown home, you've all heard it in the media, and no doubt, for any Tigers fan, rejoiced.
Wests Tigers great Benji Marshall has had his coaching contract extended until the end of 2030, following a turbulent week filled with speculation about a potential sacking.
This signing is highly significant, especially in light of the ongoing turmoil at the club. It raises questions about the implications for both the Tigers and Benji himself.
Since taking over the struggling Wests Tigers in 2024, Benji has made noticeable improvements. Although the team finished the 2024 season with a third consecutive wooden spoon, the changes were crucial for ensuring future progress.
The Wests Tigers, a club that has notably declined in performance, has not won a competition since 2005 and last appeared in the finals in 2011. The team continues to grapple with deep-rooted dysfunction.
Looking back to 2023, the Tigers were in disarray as a club. Following the exit of master-coach Ivan Cleary, they cycled through a series of coaches who promised much but delivered little before vanishing. Names like Tim Sheens and Michael Maguire come to mind, with each rebuilding attempt resulting in further setbacks. The second consecutive wooden spoon seemed minor compared to the larger issues at hand.