What’s the Buzz: Benji Marshall breaks silence on Fiji getaway

The Wests Tigers have dropped eight straight losses entering into this weekend’s bye, yet coach Benji Marshall still went away to Fiji. The rookie mentor explains why to Phil Rothfield.

Benji Marshall has defended his decision to take a mid-season family holiday to Fiji after eight straight losses.

The Wests Tigers coach - in his first year as the boss - returns to work today after the bye round, saying he is refreshed and recharged following a five-day getaway.

“I told all my staff to have the time off, mentally freshen up, and not even think about footy,” Benji said.

“In my view it’s important to recharge and refresh.

“I’ve played under a lot of coaches, including Wayne Bennett, and sometimes when you’re going through a rough trot like we’ve experienced with eight losses, doing more isn’t always the answer.

Benji Marshall has defended his brief Fiji holiday. Picture: Supplied

“That doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t care or work less. You want fresh energy.

“We’ve had 11 games straight.

“Yes, I’m in Fiji. I could have had these days off in New Zealand or even Sydney.

“Is it that big a difference?

“We’ll get back to work on Sunday and prepare for St George-Illawarra.”

After listening to Benji’s reasoning, your columnist has a better understanding on why he headed overseas. There’s also the fact he’s a father first and needs time with his children.

However, my original gripe was that both he and Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson - who is in England on a recruiting mission - are both away at the same time.

That’s the struggling club’s two most senior employees.

Wests Tigers interim chief executive, Shane Richardson, recently went to England on a recruiting mission. Picture: David Swift

Benji, however, insists he made the right decision to head off for a break with his family.

“I think the bye has come at a perfect time for us, players and staff,” he said.

“It’s been tough for all of us (at the Tigers), you know that when you take on the job. I hate using the word improvement, but there’s definitely been some improvement.

“At the same time, the results are not coming, and that clouds where we’ve improved.

“We’re definitely getting better in a few areas; there’s others where we need to be way better.

“We’re last in the comp for attack, but our defence and resilience are better.

“We just can’t find a win.

“We’ll be working hard to get one.”

Originally published as What’s the Buzz: Benji Marshall breaks silence on Fiji getaway