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The Wests Tigers have dropped a big bomb by appointing Benji Marshall as assistant coach with a five-year contract that will see him replace Tim Sheens as head coach in 2025.
The Tigers confirmed in a club statement that Tim Sheens will coach the club for the next two seasons, with Marshall and Robbie Farah as assistants, before the former takes over in 2025.
“The West Tigers have confirmed today that Tim Sheens will take over as head coach of the club in 2023 with his former Premier League winning players Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah at his side,” the club said in a statement.
“Sheens will be in charge of the 2023 and 2024 seasons as head coach, with Marshall and Farah as assistants. Marshall will take on the role of head coach for three more seasons (2025-27).
“Robbie Farah will also continue his involvement for the next two seasons. He will be Sheens’ assistant coach in 2023 and 2024.
This coaching succession plan will bring together more than 1,300 games of NRL experience shared between three club icons, who combined to win the first position of Wests Tigers prime minister in 2005.
CEO Justin Pascoe says this is a perfect way to boost the club.
“This is a very clear path for this club and we are delighted to have Tim, Benji and Robbie together for the next phase of our club’s growth.”
“Benji and Robbie are two of the most talented players this club has seen, and the memory of Tim’s coach speaks for itself.
“It also shows that we are putting in place paths not only for our players, but also for our coaches.
“It’s a great day for our club.”
Sheens and Marshall were the driving force behind the first and only first government of the joint venture in 2005 as a player and coach and will meet as coach and assistant in a bold move by the Tigers powerbrokers.
Marshall has limited coaching experience after working with the Tigers youth in a skill set this season after retiring from the NRL in 2021.
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Marshall played most of his 346-game NRL career with the Tigers, while Sheens, who is currently the football director, coached the club to 128 wins in 249 games from 2003 to 2012.
The Herald revealed that Marshall has accepted a five-year contract and will work with Sheens for the next two seasons and learn his trade as head coach of the NRL.
The Tigers will announce Sheens as head coach for the next two seasons, before Marshall succeeds him in 2025.
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Benji Marshall and Tim Sheens are ready to coach the Tigers.Source: News Limited
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The development comes after the Tigers lost their main target to Cameron Ciraldo, who revoked a monstrous five-year contract to be the club’s head of “development”.
Marshall has played a major role in trying to convince Isaiah Papali’i not to back down in his $ 1.9 million move to Concord.
Marshall told the Fox League NRL 360 earlier this week that he would firmly consider the opportunity to work with Sheens to become head coach.
“Well, not soon, but the dream for me would be to coach the NRL and the Wests Tigers would be an ideal situation,” Marshall said.
“Obviously, it has been reported that Tim Sheens will get the job and guide someone.
“If the opportunity was for me to be tutored under him with a path to becoming head coach, it’s something I would definitely consider.
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“I love my job now, but this is an opportunity I may never have again. The opportunity to try to become a head coach.
“So if they follow that path and ask me, I would definitely be interested and consider it.
“If sight is a genuine way to become a head coach.
“I do it anyway (assistant and skills coach) with the kids now.
“For me an NRL head coach is a dream job. And to be able to be mentored by someone like Tim Sheens and learn under him with the opportunity to get there. If that’s the route they want to take with me , this is something I would be interested in exploring “.
Paul Kent asked Marshall if he was ready to make the move to the NRL coaching ranks and said he was all set for his beloved Tigers.
“I understand it and yes I am,” Marshall said.
“I’m ready and the reason I’m here is because you don’t really know if you’re ready until you touch the manometer.
“But what I’ve always done is go back. If they go down that path where they want me to do it, I’m everything.
“I love working here (Fox Sports), but if this is a real opportunity and they come to me, I’m there.”
Marshall revealed that he would only consider the Tigers for their love of the club.
“At the moment I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Marshall said.
“For a couple of reasons. I love the club. I’ve been and gone a couple of times from the club.
“The only thing that has always remained is that it’s in there (my heart). There is love for the club and I want the club to succeed.
“I honestly think Tim is the best option to come in and turn it around. If it’s two or three years, I don’t know.
“Whatever it is, I’m thrilled to wait my time downstairs and learn how to do it if they come with me to turn it around.
“I think I can have a genuine impact on it.”