NRL 2023: Commbank Stadium security removes ‘Pascoe Fiasco’ banner at Wests Tigers vs Dolphins clash

A banner which criticised Wests Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe was ordered to be taken down by security at Commbank Stadium during their clash against the Dolphins.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Assistant Coach of the Tigers Benji Marshall arrives prior to the round 21 NRL match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Wests Tigers at WIN Stadium on July 20, 2023 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)

A banner which criticised Wests Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe was ordered to be taken down by security at Commbank Stadium.

Pascoe has come under fire from Tigers fans in recent weeks following their poor on-field performances and just days after they announced coach Tim Sheens would move on at the end of the season.

The banner read “end the Pascoe fiasco.”

It was draped over signage on the north-east corner of the ground as the players ran out onto the field.

But just minutes into the game, the sign was removed. It is unclear who directed security to pull down the banner although it was covering advertising signage.

A sign criticising Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe has been removed by security at Commbank Stadium. Picture: @Tiger2047 on Twitter/X.

It is understood Pascoe was unaware of the banner and did not direct its removal.

It revokes memories of frustrated Dragons fans who held up “Oust Doust” banners to vent their frustrations towards former long term boss Peter Doust.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: MARSHALL’S MESSAGE FOR HIS DOUBTERS

—Brent Read and Travis Meyn

Benji Marshall has a message for those who question whether he is ready to be a head coach, particularly at a club as dysfunctional as the Wests Tigers.

“I will back myself - that’s what I have always done in my life,” Marshall said.

“No matter what the challenge, no matter if it may seem impossible to some people, in my head it is possible.

“The fact it’s come sooner than anticipated is a bit of a shock, no doubt. But at the same time, it excites me.”

If rugby league has a Mission Impossible, it is here at Concord. For more than a decade, they have been a basket case. A laughing stock.

Benji Marshall is surprised his appointment as Wests Tigers head coach has come 12 months early. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Marshall has stepped into the breach, although he was at pains on Friday to point out that he is still the assistant coach at the Tigers for the remainder of this year.

You will, however, see and hear a lot more from him over the remaining weeks of the season. Tim Sheens will be head coach in name only.

Marshall is now calling most of the shots - he presided over training on Friday morning and will front the media after they play against the Dolphins on Saturday at Commbank Stadium.

On Friday morning, it was Marshall who announced that Luke Brooks would miss what was meant to be his final game in a Tigers jersey with a calf injury.

It was Marshall who revealed that Api Koroisau would move into the halves.

“I could’ve stayed in TV or radio,” Marshall said.

“But the difference for me is there is an absolute purpose in coaching that I really enjoy.

“To be able to do it back at the club where I spent so much time playing it’s actually a privilege for me.

“It’s not about the money, it’s not about the challenge it’s what I want to get out of it, because I really enjoy it.

“I’ll bring that enjoyment to work every day and try and turn those results around next season.”

It is a sizeable challenge. The Tigers are destined to finish with their second successive wooden spoon after another season to turmoil on and off the field.

Marshall’s relationship with recruitment boss Scott Fulton has been a source of regular conjecture, although he insisted on Friday that the pair had shown they could work together with the signings of the Fainu brothers - Late and Samuela - and Jayden Sullivan.

“Everyone writes different things, don’t they?” Marshall said.

“I guess if you look at the people who have signed in the last sort of four weeks, since Scott and I have worked together, there’s been some really good signings from us working together.

“So I think that puts that stuff to bed.”

Marshall walked a tightrope on Friday. He wanted to be respectful to Sheens. He also wanted to give Tigers fans some hope for the future.

The future starts on Saturday against the Dolphins and one of his mentors, Wayne Bennett.

Bennett was among those to offer Marshall his support on Friday.

Wayne Bennett has a long history with Benji Marshall. Picture: AAP Image

“I’ve coached him in New Zealand teams, the Broncos and South Sydney,” Bennett said

“I loved coaching him. He’s a great guy, I love his energy. He will have his challenges as a coach and we’ll have to wait and see.

“I don’t have a crystal ball to tell you what type of coach he’ll be. But I know what type of man he is and I know his energy. He knows his football and is a really good person.

“I hope it all goes well for him.”

Marshall said of Bennett: “I can give Wayne a call if I need to. I have spoken to Craig Bellamy at times.

“There are guys in the game - Todd Payten - who have reached out and said if I need to talk about anything, they are happy to help out.

“Wayne is one of those guys who is a lifelong friend to me. He will always answer the phone - except for this week - and give me advice if I need it.”

Ultimately, Marshall knows he will be judged on the wins and losses. He also knows the more wins he can secure in coming years, the more pressure will be eased on the club and by extension on him.

“It’s part of the challenge, information getting out there but it’s rugby league,” Marshall said.

“That happens at every club. So our challenge is putting the results out on the field. When you get results those things go away. “Because we’re losing it amplifies those things. So results on the field will help dictate that and will turn that around.

“Obviously, not winning as many games has been a challenge. But at the same time, I’ve still loved every moment of it. I guess when times are tough, you see what peoples’ characters are made of and how people handle things.

“I love the organisational part of it. I love being able to influence young men’s lives in footy and off the field. I like that part of it.

“But I also like stepping back and listening to other people.”