Wests Tigers to extend Benji Marshall’s contract until 2029
Wests Tigers are set to extend manager Benji Marshall’s contract until the end of 2029 in a bid to provide stability to the struggling club.
After more than a week of changes and negative headlines, the Tigers are trying to curtail Marshall’s top football roles by extending his tenure and naming Shaun Mielekamp as interim general manager. Mielekamp is stepping down as general manager of football to replace Shane Richardson, who resigned after deciding he could not work with the Tigers’ majority owner Holman Barnes Group (HBG).
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall is set to stay for a long time.Credit: Getty Images
But the biggest news for long-suffering fans will be the revelation that Marshall will remain as manager for a long time. Sources not authorized to speak publicly told this imprint that club officials are in intense talks with Marshall and his management to secure him long-term. Although a contract has not been signed yet, all parties are hopeful that the contract will be concluded and the extension announced soon.
This has been something of a baptism of fire for Marshall since taking over as head coach from longtime mentor Tim Sheens. The Tigers won the wooden spoon with the board in the former champion playmaker’s first season, but there were some positive signs as they climbed the ladder four places to 13th this year.
Marshall’s ability to attract talent has also helped, with Jarome Luai recently reiterating that playing under the former Golden Boot winner was one of the reasons Marshall chose to leave four-time premierships Penrith. Terrell May, Sunia Turuva and Taylan May were also impressed by the opportunity to learn and play at the Kiwi International.
By calling Marshall early, Tigers officials hope that many famous stars, especially Luai and Jahream Bula, will also decide to commit to the club long-term. Luai has a clause allowing him to leave the club at the end of 2025 if he wishes; Bula’s contract includes a mutual option for his services beyond next season.
It has been a turbulent period for the Tigers after HBG sacked four independent directors, a move that led to Richardson’s resignation. Vacant board memberships will be filled at the board meeting to be held on December 15.
HBG has also moved to reassure all stakeholders that Balmain will remain part of the joint venture.
Assistant Adam Doueihi spoke glowingly on Wednesday of Marshall’s evolution as an NRL coach since playing alongside him at the end of his career.
