There’s a better vibe around the Wests Tigers this week, with today’s announcement of a contract extension for Benji Marshall the icing on the black and orange cake.
The club legend has signed a three-year contract extension, which means that all things being equal he will be at the helm until the end of the 2030 season.
Wests Tigers say in a media release that the announcement has been warmly welcomed across the playing group and staff.
Marshall’s extension comes at the same time Wests Tigers have confirmed the appointment of football manager Shaun Mielekamp as interim chief executive officer replacing Shane Richardson.
Mielekamp said the response from members and fans had been overwhelmingly positive, with the club embracing a renewed sense of unity.
“It’s an honour to accept the interim CEO role and to stand alongside Benji, our team, our committed staff, and our loyal fans as we get on with business,” Mielekamp said.
“We acknowledge the outside noise over the past week, but the most important thing now is what is happening inside the four walls of this club.
“And the truth is we are aligned, united, and moving forward together.
“Locking in Benji until the end of 2030 is a cornerstone of our long-term plan – he is a brilliant coach.
“Full credit to all parties involved for securing this outcome in a challenging environment, and I thank the Holman Barnes Group for their leadership and urgency in getting this done.
“My focus over the next couple of months is to work closely with our staff and ensure we are in strong shape heading into the 2026 campaign,” Mielekamp said.
Marshall said he was pleased to commit to the club long term.
“I’m really excited about the potential of this group and the direction we’re heading,” Marshall said.
“It’s been a privilege to work with this squad and see the way the players have grown over the last 12 months and the steps we’ve taken as a football department.
“There’s still work for us to do but we’ve set a clear path and I’m grateful to the club and board for their support of what we’re building here,” Marshall said.
Holman Barnes Group CEO, Dan Paton said they were thrilled with today’s announcements.
“We will have further announcements in the near future about the club’s long-term vision and board structures, but today is about the Wests Tigers, and about Benji and Shaun.
“I would also like to thank the NRL – Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo – for their openness and support in all matters related to the Wests Tigers as a proud and committed joint venture,” Paton said.