Benji Marshall has wasted little time making changes at the Wests Tigers, with his senior assistant John Morris parting ways just days after another season of disappointment wrapped up.
John Morris has departed the club after three seasons, despite originally signing a four-year deal, in the first clear sign that Marshall is prepared to overhaul his coaching staff after the Tigers’ latest failure to make the finals.
The 46-year-old was a key part of Marshall’s coaching team after joining the Tigers in 2024, having previously worked as head coach of Cronulla and as an assistant at South Sydney.
He also has a long history with Marshall, having played alongside the Tigers coach during his 72 games for the club between 2007 and 2009.
But Morris will not see out the fourth year of his contract as Marshall begins reshaping the football department following a dramatic second half of the 2026 season.
The Tigers burst out of the blocks with five wins from their opening seven games, raising genuine hopes they could finally end their finals drought, which stretches back to 2011.
Instead, their season unravelled rapidly, with the side winning just three more games to finish 15th with an 8-16 record.
The club has now announced it will be conducting a broad review of its men’s program.
“Bomber’s experience and professionalism has been invaluable to me and the team, especially as a new head coach,” Marshall said.
“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’ four-year contract contained a clause allowing him to leave if a senior head coaching position became available.
The former hooker has made no secret of his desire to return to the top job after his three-year stint coaching the Sharks.
He took Cronulla to the finals in 2019 and 2020 but was sacked just five games into the 2021 season.
He has since been linked with another head coaching opportunity, including a potential move to the Dragons under new coach Dean Young.
Morris’ exit also opens a vacancy in Marshall’s coaching ranks, with former Dragons coach Shane Flanagan previously linked to a role as a senior assistant.
Fox League reported in July that Flanagan had been discussed as a potential addition to provide greater experience behind Marshall.
The Tigers’ coaching staff has attracted attention for its strong old-boys flavour, with former Marshall teammates Chris Heighington and Brett Hodgson also serving as assistants, while senior manager Pat Richards was part of the same playing era.
Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said Morris’ departure was not being viewed as a reflection of his contribution.
“John’s a great family man and someone we’ve really enjoyed having in our program,” Mielekamp said.
“We’re grateful for his contribution to the Wests Tigers over the last three seasons and wish him all the best in the future.
“John has a long history with the Wests Tigers and remains a valued member of our alumni.”
Mielekamp said the club’s review was already under way, led by senior manager of NRL Pat Richards.
“It’s a process that will look at all elements of our program and set the foundations for the 2027 season and beyond,” he said.