‘No fixed timeline’: Wests Tigers name interim head of football, long-term replacement remains unclear

The Wests Tigers have finally settled on a head of football, but it comes with one major catch.

Wests Tigers interim head of football Matthew Betsey.

The Wests Tigers have appointed Matthew Betsey as the club’s interim head of football; however, there is no timeline on when they will announce who steps into the full-time role.

Premiership-winning coach Tim Sheens was announced as the head of football in 2021 before he took over as coach this year.

But that partnership didn’t last long, with Sheens stepping down after less than a year in the role, leading Benji Marshall to be fast-tracked into the head coach job for 2024.

It remains unclear who will become the club’s long-term football manager, with Mark O’Neill floated as one of the possibilities given his strong links to the team as well as his experience with the Eels.

Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has also been mentioned, but we won’t know for sure until a review into the club’s woeful on-field performances has been completed.

Wests Tigers interim head of football Matthew Betsey.

The club is still waiting to announce a full-time head of football, with Robbie Farah a chance of replacing former coach Tim Sheens. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

“As has been stated publicly, a final appointment in this position is on hold until the Holman Barnes Group Review has been completed. At present, there is no fixed timeline as to when this will conclude,” the club wrote in a statement.

“Matthew Betsey will step into the role immediately to provide leadership for the football department ahead of the 2024 season and brings with him a wealth of sports administration experience.

“Betsey joined Wests Tigers as head of pathways in 2021 following more than a decade in coaching and development at Cricket Australia.

“His role expanded last year to include Wests Tigers Women’s program, where he was instrumental in the club’s NRLW licence approval and subsequent inaugural season in the Telstra Women’s Premiership.”