Wests Tigers’ Benji Marshall succession plan gets shock early launch date

The Wests Tigers coaching succession plan has been left in disarray after its record thrashing as the club plans a shock move.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 29: Tigers assistant coach Benji Marshall looks on during the round nine NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers at Carrington Park on April 29, 2023 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Tigers are set to promote former club legend and current assistant coach Benji Marshall into their head coaching role in 2024, a year earlier than anticipated.

Earmarked to take over Tim Sheens from the 2025 season, the Tigers will instead place more responsibilities on Marshall’s shoulders sooner, as per the SMH.

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The Tigers were whacked by the Cowboys 74-0 in Townsville on Saturday, with that result forcing club officials to fast-track the succession plan.

Sheens is still expected to keep the head coach title, but there’s no doubt that Marshall will assume all the major responsibilities when pre-season begins at the end of this year.

Benji Marshall may soon be in the hot seat. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Marshall is in the first year of what was originally slated to be a two-year apprenticeship with Sheens.

He has no head coaching experience or coaching experience for that matter at any other club.

Marshall had to put speculation to bed last week that he was leaving the Tigers due to a rumoured rift with the team’s new head of recruitment Scott Fulton.

“I love my job as an assistant coach and I’m looking forward to learning more off Tim this year and in 2024 and excited to become the head coach in 2025 and I’m not walking out anywhere,” Marshall told The Daily Telegraph last week.

Originally published as Wests Tigers’ Benji Marshall succession plan gets shock early launch date