The Wests Tigers are poised for a significant staff change as head coach Benji Marshall seeks a new assistant coach following the early departure of John Morris.
Morris, 46, enjoyed a three-year tenure with the Tigers, having previously played 72 of his 300 games for the club. He was under contract for one more year but will leave after the Tigers wished him well in future pursuits.
Marshall expressed gratitude for Morris's contributions, noting that his "experience and professionalism has been invaluable to me and the team, especially as a new head coach." He emphasized his appreciation for Morris's guidance during challenging times.
Morris has openly expressed a desire to return to a head coaching position in the NRL. He was previously dismissed by Cronulla in 2021 despite successfully leading them to the finals in prior seasons. There are reports suggesting a potential link between Morris and a coaching role at the Dragons for the upcoming season.
Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp acknowledged the impact of Morris's departure, describing him as a "great family man" who has been an integral part of the program. He also stated, "John has a long history with the Wests Tigers and remains a valued member of the alumni."
The Tigers are currently undergoing a review of their challenging 2026 season, which saw them finish 15th with an 8-16 record, marking a 15-year finals drought. Key issues throughout the season included controversies surrounding player signings and team dynamics.
Shane Flanagan, currently the Sharks and Dragons head coach, has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Morris. His extensive experience could provide the necessary support to Marshall as the club looks to rebuild effectively for the 2027 season.