LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Tim Sheens, the former head coach of the Wests Tigers, was noticeably absent from the team's end-of-season awards night, suggesting a sour end to his tenure with the club.
Originally slated to remain as head coach until 2024, the Tigers decided to accelerate their succession plan and appoint Benji Marshall as the new coach a year early.
Marshall had been working as Sheens' assistant coach this year and was supposed to continue in that role in 2024.
However, the Tigers announced last month that Sheens would be leaving early to make way for Marshall.
While the club claimed that Sheens had chosen to step down voluntarily, doubts have arisen about the true nature of his departure.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that Sheens had snubbed the Tigers' awards night but had attended a function with his former Penrith Panthers teammates just days earlier.
Sheens was even seen wearing a Panthers cap during the event.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Tigers officials had wanted Sheens to attend the presentation night, but he chose not to.
Royce Simmons, a Penrith great who had worked as an assistant coach under Sheens at the Tigers, commented on the situation, saying, "Why would you go? If you weren't wanted at the club, how could you go to their presentation night?"
This snub by Sheens indicates a deep rift between him and the Tigers, suggesting that his departure may not have been as amicable as the club portrayed.
The situation raises questions about the true reasons behind Sheens' early exit and adds to the speculation surrounding his relationship with the club.