Benji Marshall is on the lookout for a new assistant coach at the Wests Tigers after confirming the departure of John Morris. The 46-year old Morris – who played 72 of his 300-game NRL career for the Tigers – still had one year left on his contract, having spent the last three years working under Marshall.
But the club confirmed on Tuesday night that Morris would be leaving one year early after wishing the assistant all the best in his future endeavours. Marshall says the former Cronulla head coach’s experience and support had been “invaluable” to him over the last three years, and thanked Morris for helping him navigate a tumultuous period on and off the field.
The Wests Tigers have confirmed the departure of assistant coach John Morris (C), who has been linked with a switch to a rival Sydney club. Pic: Getty
“Bomber’s experience and professionalism has been invaluable to me and the team, especially as a new head coach, Marshall said in a statement. “I will always be thankful and grateful for his support. John is a very accomplished coach, and I wish him all the very best.”
Morris has made no secret of his desire to return to an NRL head coaching role after being sacked by Cronulla in 2021, despite guiding them to the finals in the two previous years. And reports emerged earlier this year linking him with a switch to the Dragons to work under head coach Dean Young next season.
John Morris leaves after disastrous season for Tigers
Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp said Morris would be missed after thanking the 46-year-old for his contribution to the club over the last three years. “John’s a great family man and someone we’ve really enjoyed having in our program,” he said. “John has a long history with the Wests Tigers and remains a valued member of our alumni.”
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall (L) will have a new right-hand man in 2027 after the departure of assistant coach John Morris (R). Pic: Getty
The Tigers chief also revealed that a review was underway into the club’s disastrous 2026 season, which saw them finish 15th on the ladder with an 8-16 record. It extended the club’s grim finals drought to 15 years, with the drama around Jarome Luai’s signing with PNG and Adam Doueihi’s spat with Marshall appearing to derail the season.
With a shake-up expectd at the club in 2027, Sharks and Dragons head coach Shane Flanagan has emerged as a potential replacement for Morris after being linked with an assistant role under Marshall previously. The veteran mentor would provide the Tigers coach with some much needed experience on his backroom staff and the stern hand required to help rebuild the club.
