The Wests Tigers have faced considerable challenges in the 2023 season, culminating in a disappointing finish against the Penrith Panthers.
Post-match, head coach Benji Marshall expressed relief that the season had concluded, admitting, "I'm glad it's come to an end, if I'm honest…it was a bit of a weird year for us."
Marshall reflected on the contrast between the Tigers' promising start and their subsequent decline, noting that the team lost eight consecutive matches after a strong opening.
"We showed so much promise and optimism to start the season, and then we went through a bit of a rough patch, losing eight in a row, and had to fight in the back end," he explained.
Looking ahead, Marshall identified key lessons from this season that he believes will help improve performance in the future.
One crucial takeaway is the need for depth, particularly when injuries strike the team, as they did earlier this year.
Marshall emphasized the importance of managing off-field issues that have plagued the club this season.
"How to manage and navigate the way through off-field things and how to not let them become a distraction," he stressed.
Despite the challenges, Marshall remains passionate about his role, stating, "You got to love it; it's a pretty thankless job sometimes. You got to give a lot of time, energy, effort, and you also have to give a part of yourself away to the team and the club."