NRL 2023: Ryan Carr emerges as surprise target to help rebuild Benji Marshall’s Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers are in the midst of revamping their coaching staff – and while John Morris is on their radar, another surprise option could be brought in to help Benji Marshall.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 19: Benji Marshall of Wests Tigers after the round 25 NRL match between Wests Tigers and Dolphins at CommBank Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images)

Interim St George Illawarra head coach Ryan Carr has emerged as a potential target for the Tigers as they look to increase the support surrounding Benji Marshall next season.

The Tigers are on the lookout to rejuvenate their coaching set up in the wake of Tim Sheens’ departure as head coach at the end of the season.

Marshall will transition into the head coaching position next year but the Tigers are adamant there needs to be stronger support around him as he prepares to take charge as an NRL coach for the first time.

Former Tigers player John Morris looms as the Tigers’ top target but they want to add more than just one person to their coaching set up.

That has left the club discussing the potential of making a play for Carr who has impressed since taking on the Dragons following Anthony Griffin’s sacking earlier this season.

Carr still has a year to left on his Dragons contract and was expected to be part of Shane Flanagan’s coaching staff at the club next year. However, Flanagan has brought in Dean Young to be his senior assistant.

Carr, who played lower grades at the Tigers, is close to Morris after assisting Morris when he was Cronulla’s under-20s coach.

Dragons interim coach Ryan Carr could be in line for a switch to the Tigers. Picture: Getty

Morris is off-contract at South Sydney at the end of the season and remains in talks with the club about a possible extension but a return to the Tigers looms likely. The Rabbitohs recently re-signed assistant coach Ben Hornby for another two seasons.

Current Tigers assistant coach Robbie Farah wants to transition into an off-field role at the club and is expected to put his hand up to fill the vacant head of football position.

Fellow assistant David Furner remains contracted for next season but he too faces an uncertain future.

Aside from coaching stints at the Dragons and Cronulla, Carr has also worked at Parramatta, Canberra, South Sydney and English club Featherstone.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Ryan Carr emerges as surprise target to help rebuild Benji Marshall’s Wests Tigers