'Benji Never Suffers Fools': Why This Year Will Be Different for Wests Tigers

This season marks a significant step for Benji Marshall as he enters his third year as head coach of the Wests Tigers, with the exciting distinction of having a roster he has personally constructed rather than one he inherited.

The players who have accepted the opportunity to play under the Tigers and New Zealand legend have affectionately come to be known as 'Benji-ites'.

The Tigers are set to launch their 2026 NRL season on Saturday afternoon against the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval. Once again, there's a wave of optimism sweeping through Tiger Town-a sentiment backed by valid reasons.

The team's performance during the trials, particularly their match against Penrith, showed plenty of promise. Furthermore, it appears there is true competition for starting positions within the lineup.