Wests Tigers are poised to extend the contract of coach Benji Marshall until the end of 2029 in a bid to provide stability to the embattled club.
After more than a week of changes and adverse headlines, the Tigers are attempting to lock down their most important football roles by extending Marshall’s tenure and appointing Shaun Mielekamp as interim chief executive. Mielekamp steps up from his role of general manager of football to replace Shane Richardson, who quit after deciding he couldn’t work with the Tigers’ majority owners, the Holman Barnes Group (HBG).
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is staying for the long term.Credit: Getty Images
However, the biggest news for long-suffering fans will be revelations that Marshall will remain coach long-term. Sources not authorised to speak publicly have told this masthead that club officials are deep in negotiations with Marshall and his management to secure him long-term. While a contract hasn’t yet been signed, all parties are hopeful of finalising and trumpeting an extension shortly.
It has been a baptism of fire for Marshall since taking over as head coach from long-time mentor Tim Sheens. The Tigers earned the wooden spoon in the former champion playmaker’s first season with the clipboard, but there were some positive signs as they climbed the ladder four spots to 13th this year.
That has been aided by Marshall’s ability to help attract talent, with Jarome Luai recently reiterating that playing under the former Golden Boot winner was one of the reasons why he chose to switch from four-time premiers Penrith. Terrell May, Sunia Turuva and Taylan May were also attracted by the opportunity to learn and play under the Kiwi international.
In making an early call on Marshall, Tigers officials hope several big-name stars – Luai and Jahream Bula in particular – decide to also commit to the club long-term. Luai has a clause that allows him to leave the club at the end of 2025 if he so chooses, while there’s a mutual option in Bula’s contract for his services beyond next season.
It has been a tumultuous time for the Tigers after the HBG sacked four independent directors, a move prompted Richardson’s resignation. The vacant board spots will be filled at a December 15 meeting of directors.
The HBG has also moved to assure all stakeholders that Balmain will remain a part of the joint-venture.
Utility Adam Doueihi on Wednesday spoke glowingly of Marshall’s evolution as an NRL coach since playing alongside him at the end of Marshall’s career.