Wests Tigers have announced plans to extend the contract of head coach Benji Marshall until the end of 2029. This decision aims to provide much-needed stability at the club, which has faced significant challenges in recent weeks. Following a series of changes and negative headlines, the Tigers are looking to solidify their leadership by securing Marshall’s position and promoting Shaun Mielekamp to interim chief executive.
Mielekamp, formerly the general manager of football, steps into the role after the resignation of Shane Richardson. Richardson left due to an inability to collaborate effectively with the Tigers’ majority owners, the Holman Barnes Group (HBG). His exit, combined with the sacking of four independent directors by HBG, has created an atmosphere of upheaval within the club.
While a formal contract extension has yet to be signed, sources familiar with the negotiations report that discussions are actively ongoing. All parties are optimistic about finalizing the extension soon. This move comes after a challenging inaugural season for Marshall, during which the Tigers finished last in the league. Despite this, there were signs of progress as the team improved to 13th place in the current season.
Marshall’s leadership has proven beneficial in attracting new talent to the club. Notably, Jarome Luai has publicly stated that one of the key reasons for his move from four-time premiers Penrith was the opportunity to play under the former champion. Other players, including Terrell May and Sunia Turuva, have also expressed excitement about the prospect of developing their skills under Marshall’s guidance.
The Tigers are making a strategic move by securing Marshall’s long-term future, hoping it will encourage star players like Luai and Jahream Bula to commit to the club as well. Luai’s contract includes a clause that permits him to leave at the end of 2025, while Bula’s deal has a mutual option for the following season.
In the midst of these developments, the HBG has reassured all stakeholders that the Balmain partnership will continue as part of the joint venture. This commitment comes as the board is set to meet on December 15, 2024, to fill the vacant director positions.
Tigers utility player Adam Doueihi has voiced strong support for Marshall, reflecting on his growth as a coach. “We play for Benji, he’s our head coach,” Doueihi stated during a promotional event. “He steers the ship every day, and we follow his lead. Benji’s been good to me.”
Having trained in various positions throughout his eight-year career, Doueihi is now focusing on the halves as the team prepares for the upcoming season. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amid the ongoing changes, stating, “We couldn’t have gone backwards from where we were last season. We’ve got to keep trying to climb that ladder.”
As the Wests Tigers navigate this tumultuous period, their commitment to Marshall’s leadership may well prove pivotal in shaping the future of the club.
