Tim Sheens to step aside as Wests Tigers’ coach, Benji Marshall to take over

Tim Sheens’ management approached the Tigers last week about the potential for a change of role – and now he’s out. We reveal how the big decisions were made.

Tim Sheens will step aside form his role as coach of the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

Wests Tigers have confirmed they will part ways with Tim Sheens at the end of the season, leaving Benji Marshall to take the reins of the embattled club.

The Tigers released a statement on Wednesday confirming the change, which comes 12 months ahead of time. Marshall was scheduled to take over from Sheens at the end of next season but his ascent to the top job has been fast-tracked after yet another season of bitter disappointment.

Marshall said he was honoured to take charge of the club.

“I am humbled by Tim’s endorsement as the future and long-term head coach of Wests Tigers,” said Marshall.

“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.”

Sheens added: “I came back 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.”

Benji Marshall (R) will take over from Tim Sheens (C). Picture: David Swift

This masthead understands that Sheens’ management approached the Tigers last week about the potential for a change of role for the 72-year-old at the end of the season. By that stage the club harboured its own reservations surrounding the club’s development this season but they were not willing to pull the trigger on Sheens.

Conversations started with Sheens hoping to keep a senior role at the club. It ended with him coaching until the end of this season and then stepping down. Those at the club believe the decision was two-fold.

Sheens believes Marshall is ready to be a head coach and Sheens’ job in getting his former star player ready for the top position was completed.

Secondly, the travel, scrutiny and the club’s poor performance was starting to weigh him down.

When Sheens took over from Maguire he was given a guaranteed two-year deal and a return to the head of football position he gave up to take on the coaching duties.

With Sheens walking away it gives Marshall the clean air he needs to finalise his own staff. He will also have a major say in the club’s head of football position. Marshall is contracted until the end of 2027.

Tim Sheens won’t coach the Tigers next season. Picture: Getty

“Tim has given extraordinary assistance and support to creating a very strong pathways program, one that will deliver talent across both our men’s and women’s competitions for a long time to come,” chief executive Justin Pascoe said.

“Our supporters should be excited by the future and by what Tim has been able to deliver in this space, and our club will continue to invest and apply resources to player development in our local regions.

“On behalf of the club, I cannot thank Tim enough for his contribution over the past three years. 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.”

Chair Lee Hagipantelis is confident the change won’t impact on the playing group.

“There was a conversation about the restructuring of the coaching department last year after an outreach from Tim’s management. The discussions concerned an elevation of Benji Marshall to the head coaching role for 2024, with Tim’s blessing.

“He (Sheens) believes that Benji’s ready. The players are very taken with Benji and are very happy with the way he’s fulfilled that role and believe that he is absolutely ready to take it on.

“Benji has effectively been doing alot of the coaching this year. Tim’s done the job now for two years and he’s been overseeing Benji for a full season and it’s Tim’s suggestion that Benji can step up and do that role.

“The response we’re getting from players and player managers is very positive.’’

Sheens’ departure at the end of this season will lead to an overhaul of the Wests Tigers coaching structure.

Current South Sydney assistant and former Sharks head coach John Morris is a short-priced favourite to join Marshall as a senior coaching staff member in 2024.

The Wests Tigers will also consider chasing another senior assistant coach. They previously targeted Justin Holbrook before he signed with the Roosters earlier this month. Robbie Farah, currently working as an assistant at the Tigers, is likely to move into a senior football management role. Defence coach and Sheens’ right-hand man David Furner has another year remaining on his contract with the club.

Originally published as Tim Sheens to step aside as Wests Tigers’ coach, Benji Marshall to take over