Nine days after he was sacked as Wests Tigers chairman, Barry O’Farrell is likely to make a shock return to the club, while Benji Marshall is on the verge of a contract extension.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that the move comes following a series of crisis talks between the NRL and the Tigers.
The Holman Barnes Group (HBG) sacked O’Farrell, as well as three independent directors, just over a week ago.
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He has now reportedly been asked to return to the role given the NRL’s concerns over the state the club finds itself in.
Benji Marshall of the Tigers poses with Barry O’Farrell after playing his 300th game. Getty
The Tigers have finished last in three of the last four seasons, and haven’t played finals since 2019.
The SMH report says O’Farrell is aware of the NRL’s desire for him to return to the role.
He is yet to confirm whether he will, but is open to heading back through the doors.
Balmain champion Benny Elias was strongly linked with the role before this potential sudden backflip emerged.
The report adds that the Wests Tigers will extend the contract of coach Benji Marshall through to the end of 2029.
The Tigers and Marshall are deep in negotiations, with an extension set to be finalised.
The goal is to create stability within the struggling organisation. Shaun Mielekamp has been appointed interim chief executive.
Marshall took over as coach at the start of the 2024 season, and has won 15 of 48 games at the helm.
He played 257 games for the Tigers across two stints during his career.