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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019 latest failure to make the finals.<\/p>\n
The 46-year-old was a key part of Marshall\u2019s coaching team after joining the Tigers in 2024, having previously worked as head coach of Cronulla and as an assistant at South Sydney.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Instead, their season unravelled rapidly, with the side winning just three more games to finish 15th with an 8-16 record.<\/p>\n
The club has now announced it will be conducting a broad review of its men\u2019s program.<\/p>\n
\u201cBomber\u2019s experience and professionalism has been invaluable to me and the team, especially as a new head coach,\u201d Marshall said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will always be thankful and grateful for his support. John is a very accomplished coach, and I wish him all the very best.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Morris\u2019 four-year contract contained a clause allowing him to leave if a senior head coaching position became available.<\/p>\n
The former hooker has made no secret of his desire to return to the top job after his three-year stint coaching the Sharks.<\/p>\n
He took Cronulla to the finals in 2019 and 2020 but was sacked just five games into the 2021 season.<\/p>\n
He has since been linked with another head coaching opportunity, including a potential move to the Dragons under new coach Dean Young.<\/p>\n
Morris\u2019 exit also opens a vacancy in Marshall\u2019s coaching ranks, with former Dragons coach Shane Flanagan previously linked to a role as a senior assistant.<\/p>\n
Fox League reported in July that Flanagan had been discussed as a potential addition to provide greater experience behind Marshall.<\/p>\n
The Tigers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said Morris\u2019 departure was not being viewed as a reflection of his contribution.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn\u2019s a great family man and someone we\u2019ve really enjoyed having in our program,\u201d Mielekamp said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re grateful for his contribution to the Wests Tigers over the last three seasons and wish him all the best in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cJohn has a long history with the Wests Tigers and remains a valued member of our alumni.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mielekamp said the club\u2019s review was already under way, led by senior manager of NRL Pat Richards.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a process that will look at all elements of our program and set the foundations for the 2027 season and beyond,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Benji Marshall has wasted little time making changes at the Wests Tigers, with his senior assistant John 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