Tim Sheens headlines trio of big names who failed to show for Wests Tigers 2005 reunion

Things are tough at Tiger Town where not even a night dedicated to the club’s remarkable 2005 grand final victory can go off without some controversy.

Former Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has boycotted the club’s 20-year premiership reunion.

Also absent were hooker Robbie Farah, who was overseas, and halfback Scott Prince, a late withdrawal due to family reasons.

Those at the function, held in the chairman’s lounge at Leichhardt Oval, confirmed Sheens did not attend.

Sheens, now 74, was sacked as Wests Tigers coach after the 2023 season.

It was a messy and ugly departure which Sheens has clearly struggled to overcome.

Players from the 2005 side worked hard on Sheens to attend the function but he refused.

Those players at the event were deeply upset Sheens didn’t attend given his remarkable influence over the ’05 side.

Sheens masterminded the triumph, a 30-16 win over North Queensland, through a mixture of youthful freedom and exuberant football.

Tim Sheens (R) celebrates with the winning Wests Tigers after the 2005 grand final.

He was dumped as coach in his second stint at the club less than 12 months into a five-year succession plan.

Those at the function included Benji Marshall, Todd Payten, Mark O’Neill, Liam Fulton, Pat Richards, Brett Hodgson, Bryce Gibbs, Daniel Fitzhenry, Dene Halatau, John Skandalis, Chris Heighington and Paul Whatuira.

A photo of the nineteen attendees was later taken in the famous Leichhardt Oval home dressing room.

The victorious Wests Tigers 2005 grand final reunion was missing some big names.

The team gathered around the Provan-Summons trophy for the photo.

Hooker Farah and halfback Price were also missed given their enormous contributions to the ’05 side.

Sheens’ messy exit from Concord meant Marshall took over as head coach a year earlier than planned.

Wests Tigers’ grand final glory that year will always be remembered for the miracle flick pass from Marshall to Richards for a spectacular first half try.

Fans mob Robbie Farah following the 2005 NRL Grand Final.

The Tigers finished fourth on the regular season ladder before surging through finals via an ad lib, exciting brand of footy not seen since.

Incredibly, Wests Tigers scored 134 points in their four finals games and only conceded 40 points. That’s an average win of 33-10.

Several fringe first graders were also invited to the event.

The 20-year get-together was held last Friday.

Originally published as Tim Sheens headlines trio of big names who failed to show for Wests Tigers 2005 reunion