Benji Marshall will take over the coaching reins at Wests Tigers a year earlier than planned.
As a result of a mutual agreement with the club announced this afternoon, NRL head coach Tim Sheens will step down at the end of this season.
Sheens was appointed to the position of Wests Tigers head coach in 2023 with the responsibility of mentoring Benji Marshall, who was to take up the role in 2025.
Wests Tigers has now revealed that the planned transition of Benji Marshall into the head coaching role has been brought forward, with Marshall to take the reins in 2024.
“I am extremely proud of what I have been able to do in transitioning Benji into the main role and wish him and the club all the success in the future,” Sheens said.
Marshall, who played 346 NRL games, says he has benefitted greatly from assisting Sheens this season.
“I am humbled by Tim’s endorsement as the future and long-term head coach of Wests Tigers,” said Marshall, pictured above running out for his final game as a player for the club.
“To be the head coach of Wests Tigers has been a long-held dream of mine since retiring from playing.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to take on the role and I am indebted to Tim for all that he has taught me, both as a player and as an assistant coach.
“I know that I am ready to take on the role with all the support that the club has offered.”
Club CEO Justin Pascoe says the club is extremely appreciative of what Sheens has done for Wests Tigers.
“On behalf of the club, I cannot thank Tim enough for his contribution over the past three years,” he said.
“It has been a very difficult period for the club, but Tim has remained staunch and committed to what we have been trying to achieve, and to the development of our pathways and coaching programs.
“As a result, we have a very strong group of young men and women coming through, together with a new head coach who is ready and excited to lead this club into the future.”
Sheens said he had returned to the club where he won a premiership in 2005 with a focus on creating stronger pathways and development programs.
“I am proud of the work accomplished by all involved in the pathways system and of the emerging local talent, in both the men’s and women’s competitions,” he said.
