Wests Tigers farewelled star five-eighth Benji Marshall with a disappointing 50-22 loss to North Queensland Cowboys

WESTS Tigers farewelled both their season and star five-eighth Benji Marshall in disappointing fashion.

WESTS Tigers farewelled both their season and star five-eighth Benji Marshall in disappointing fashion with a 50-22 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night.

In Marshall's farewell game, the Tigers thrilled fans with an incredible performance against their 2005 grand-final opponents and were level with the Cowboys at 22-22 after 50 minutes.

A double to Menangle fullback James Tedesco and tries to young guns Curtis Sironen and Tim Simona were the highlights.

Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah during the Tigers' 50-22 loss to the Cowboys.

But that was it from the Tigers and the Cowboys ran in five tries in the final 30 minutes.

Fans farewelled Marshall who, in his 201 games for the Tigers, inspired young players with his exciting flick passes and formidable footwork and helped the club to a 2005 premiership victory and led New Zealand to their 2008 World Cup win.

The Tigers finished 15th with seven wins and 17 losses.

Scott Prince, left, and Benji Marshall after the Tigers defeated the Cowboys in the 2005 NRL grand final at Telstra Stadium, Olympic Park, Homebush in Sydney. Picture: GREGG PORTEOUS

Tigers chief executive officer Grant Mayer told the Macarthur Chronicle the club was disappointed with its season.

"It's been a difficult year no doubt; disappointing results on the field," he said.

"We've had a massive injury toll but that's not an excuse, it's just a reality."

Mayer said there was plenty of young talent to look forward to.

"Backs like David Nofoaluma and Tim Simona have been outstanding, and to see James Tedesco come back from a pretty serious injury was inspiring," he said.

"It was also great to see under-20s players Luke Brooks and Nathan Brown make spectacular NRL debuts and Jesse Sue and Ava (Seumanufagai) were brilliant. Jack Buchanan was also a phenomenal squad edition.

Luke Brooks, 18, made a memorable debut for the Tigers during their 34-18 victory against the St George Illawarra Dragons at the SCG.

"We've got outstanding talent coming through and 10 players coming into our top 25, so hopefully we'll have 20 players to choose from each round and 2014 will be exciting times for the Tigers."

Mayer said the club's priority was to upgrade Concord Oval facilities.

"We lack a nice, comfortable place of work and that's imperative ," he said.

Mayer said Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Leichhardt Oval would continue to receive home games.

"Campbelltown is absolutely crucial to us going forward, as is Leichhardt," he said.