NRL 2023: Wests Tigers assistant coaches Dave Furner and Robbie Farah involved in ‘robust discussion’

Emotions were bubbling throughout Wests Tigers’ clash with the Warriors and it continued after the match. Read all the details

The coaching dramas at Wests Tigers have taken another twist after Robbie Farah and defence coach David Furner were involved in a “robust discussion”.

Wests Tigers coaching dramas have taken another twist after Robbie Farah and defence coach David Furner were involved in a “robust discussion” following last weekend’s loss to the Warriors.

It is understood emotions were bubbling throughout the match and it continued following the 30-22 defeat in the dressing rooms in Hamilton.

Furner was said to be only ever trying to calm the situation but took exception to some things that were said during the match in the coaching box and that continued after the game.

It is understood that related to Farah questioning some of the defensive tactics, which Furner is in charge of.

It’s fair to say they have had a pretty frosty relationship for some time, although publicly the club is trying to make out everything is all hunky-dory.

Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis said he was not concerned it got out of hand.

“I understand there was a robust discussion between two of the assistant coaches following the match,” Hagipantelis said.

The coaching dramas at Wests Tigers have taken another twist after Robbie Farah and defence coach David Furner were involved in a “robust discussion”.

“However I have been told there was nothing in it, simply stemming from a difference of opinion which you would expect from time to time amongst coaches.

“So from our perspective there was nothing in it.”

The issue going forward is that it is just another example of the tension on several fronts that has been simmering behind the scenes at the troubled club for some time.

Robbie Farah. Picture: Getty Images

David Furner. Picture: Getty Images

It’s no secret new head coach Benji Marshall himself is not exactly on best of terms with new head of recruitment Scott Fulton.

What makes it more concerning now is the lack of experience that has been left in the wake of Tim Sheens’ exit, with Farah being tipped to take on the new general manager of football role.

Despite his legendary status at the Tigers, Farah has no previous experience as a head of football, while Marshall is taking over the game’s toughest coaching position after a short apprenticeship under Sheens.

Furner is the most experienced coach left on the staff with a year to run on his existing contract, while the Tigers are said to be chasing current South Sydney assistant John Morris to join Marshall’s coaching team next year.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Wests Tigers assistant coaches Dave Furner and Robbie Farah involved in ‘robust discussion’