LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Benji Marshall, head coach of the Wests Tigers, has shared insights into the latter stages of his playing career, particularly how close he came to signing with another club before retiring. He revealed that coach Wayne Bennett played a significant role in persuading him to end his career at the conclusion of the 2021 season, even though there were discussions about him continuing with the Gold Coast Titans.
Marshall, a New Zealand international who led the Tigers to their sole NRL premiership as a joint-venture team in 2005, faced a challenging situation at the end of 2020 when the Wests Tigers chose not to re-sign him. This decision nearly forced him out of professional rugby league until Bennett stepped in to provide him with an opportunity.
After having stints in rugby union as well as with the St George Illawarra Dragons and Brisbane Broncos from 2014 to 2017, Marshall returned to the Tigers in 2018. However, the club underwent significant changes at the end of 2020, during which Marshall found himself on the chopping block.
During a recent appearance on Terrell May's MayDay Podcast, Marshall discussed the emotional toll of leaving the Tigers, especially since he felt he had a strong season. He noted, "It was a tough one, because at the end of 2020 I felt like I'd played a pretty fair season," highlighting his disappointment upon learning about his departure through media reports.