Monday Buzz: Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall debunks ‘fake news’ resignation conspiracy

There was some speculation doing the rounds on the Wests Tigers corner of social media that coach Benji Marshall was ready to quit. PHIL ROTHFIELD reveals why there’s no truth to the rumour after speaking with the man himself.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Tigers coach Benji Marshall speaks to the media following the round 17 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers at Allianz Stadium, on June 30, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

There was some stupid speculation doing the rounds on the Wests Tigers corner of social media over the weekend that club legend Benji Marshall was ready to quit.

I was sent this message on X: “Benji will hand in his resignation this week. He feels he has lost the team. That an offer will be given to Brad Arthur by Thursday.”

BREAKING: This is fake news.

Absolute rubbish.

I spoke to Benji on Sunday morning while he was in the kitchen preparing breakfast for his kids. He is going nowhere.

The previous night he got three hours of sleep.

The 58-6 loss to the Cronulla Sharks on Friday night was as painful as it gets.

His team has now conceded 138 points in their last three matches at a shocking average of 46 points a game. They are now headed for a third-straight wooden spoon.

Tigers coach Benji Marshall is going nowhere. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

But Benji is no quitter.

He got home from the Sharks capitulation about midnight on Friday night.

NRL coaches that get pumped, like the Wests Tigers did, don’t go straight to bed.

“I got home about midnight and watched the game back straight away,” he said.

“It’s different from watching from the coaching box. You look at the replay and pick up other stuff.

“You stop and start, take notes, and I probably didn’t finish until about 2.30am. That’s coaching. It’s normal.”

After tossing a turning, wondering where the next win will come from, Benji nodded off after 3am.

At 6.45am he was back at work in his Concord office before the players arrived for recovery.

“I wanted to talk to them while it was all fresh,” he said.

The Tigers were dismantled by the Sharks in round 19. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“It’s easier to explain things to players with the video evidence to back up what you’re saying.

“You’ve just got to review the game, get on with it, and move on to next week.”

I asked Benji if he was still as keen and hungry as he was at the beginning of the year.

Whether these demoralising losses are taking their toll on his enthusiasm.

“Or course man,” he says, “It’s harder than I thought, absolutely. Maybe I shouldn’t say harder. Probably everything I expected to be with some GST on top.

“Look it’s not that bad. You’ve got to have purpose and challenges in your life.

“You can’t give up. We have to fight our way through until the end of the season.

“Week in, week out you’ve got to fight. And you’ve gotta have guys who want to fight. That’s what we’re going to do.”

But with the honeymoon period over does he still enjoy it?

“Obviously the results dictate what your weeks are like,” he said.

Benji Marshall has discovered the harsh reality of being an NRL coach this season, but insists there’s still fire in his belly. Picture: NRL Photos

“The job’s tough, no doubt about it. It’s stressful and there’s a lot of pressure.

“It’s not just me. It’s tough on the whole staff, the players and the fans.

“Then you see improvement in the younger guys and it gets more rewarding and enjoyable.”

Despite their terrible recent form, Wests Tigers boss Shane Richardson has thrown his support behind his coach.

“In Benji we trust,” Richo said, “I’ve got no doubt he’s going to get the job done for us. I’m 100 per cent supportive of him moving forward.

“I’m planning everything around Benji being here long term and helping our younger players come through as better footballers. We’ll be OK.”