The Key Figure: How Benji Marshall Revived the Struggling Wests Tigers, in Sharp Contrast to Their Joint Venture Rivals

The Wests Tigers have endured a long spell where negativity seemed to reign supreme.

Following three consecutive wooden spoons, ongoing boardroom conflicts, and players abandoning their contracts, the organisation has found itself trapped in a relentless cycle of disappointing headlines.

Who would have thought that the answer was as simple as winning football matches?

The shift in public sentiment regarding the Tigers has been remarkable, especially considering that only a few months ago, fans were taking to the streets, calling for change in the wake of Shane Richardson’s departure and the board’s crisis reaching unprecedented levels.

However, with four victories from their first five matches of the season, those troubled times now seem like a distant past as the Tigers aim to break a 15-year finals drought.

In contrast, the NRL’s other joint venture, St George Illawarra, has been surprisingly more stable away from the field in recent years, yet they have stagnated under the direction of head coach Shane Flanagan and head of football Ben Haran.

The age-old adage “winning starts in the front office” is often misused within the NRL, typically to distract from on-field performance.

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The reality is that while the Tigers’ management is far from perfect, with ongoing tension between the Wests and Balmain factions, their newfound success means that such issues are quickly forgotten when the team is winning and the hills at Leichhardt or Campbelltown are packed with fans.

So, what is it that makes the underperforming Tigers shine brighter than the struggling Dragons?

Two key elements stand out: a roster brimming with representative talent and the influence of coach Benji Marshall.

Let’s focus on the latter.

No individual has been more closely associated with the Wests Tigers throughout their 26-year journey than Marshall, which is precisely why his impact is resonating more than that of his predecessors, according to Billy Slater, who has praised the Kiwi icon.

“I’m really impressed with what Benji is achieving at the club,” he said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.

“We often hear about the split between Balmain and Wests – the one person capable of uniting them is Benji. He has no allegiance to either; he is quintessentially a Wests Tiger … he embodies the joint venture.”

“This is much more than just a coaching position.

“He isn’t dwelling on the past or the future; he’s concentrating on the here and now and getting the players to buy in. Their journey is remarkable, and Benji is at the heart of it.”

Marshall is still in the early stages of his coaching career and seems to have finally found his voice, effectively balancing the roles of friend and coach with his team.

Pre-season footage depicted a more assertive Marshall addressing the squad and clearly establishing the club’s standards.

“Honestly, he’s evolving so much as a coach,” Api Koroisau remarked on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“He came into this role with little experience, so it’s amazing to witness his development and the direction he’s taking the team … he’s really stepped up this year, which was necessary.

“I watched him play and always regarded him as an extraordinary talent. To now have him as my coach and to see how he interacts with all the players is truly special.

“Hearing him shout my name from the sidelines gives me that extra boost to excel in my role, and having him there is significantly beneficial for us.”

Away from the coaching role, the Tigers have developed into a formidable football side, but this balance has taken considerable time to achieve.

Their spine—Jahream Bula, Jarome Luai, Adam Doueihi, and Koroisau—are all top players in their respective roles when in form.

Outside backs like Taylan May and Sunia Turuva provide impressive strike power, and the rapid ascent of Heamasi Makasini is sure to continue.

“He’s got a bright future ahead,” Koroisau commented regarding the teenage centre.

“He’s still very young and raw, and has aspects to improve on. He has a genuine desire to learn and consistently puts in his best effort.”

“We maintain high standards in training, and he’s meeting them.”

In the forward pack, Marshall has unlocked the potential of Alex Twal, who has been a consistent performer but would have struggled to secure a spot on most other teams prior to this season.

Twal has been playing with incredible zeal this year and is the ideal complement to the offloading prowess of Terrell May and dynamic young Fonua Pole.

The back-row duo of Samuela Fainu and Kai Pearce-Paul is among the most threatening combinations in the competition, while Sione Fainu and Royce Hunt pack a punch off the bench during crucial moments.

In contrast, the Dragons have remained poorly managed in terms of their roster since Marshall’s arrival at the Tigers, illustrating the gulf in performance.

Perhaps the most notable testament to Marshall’s coaching prowess and the Tigers’ gradual assembly of a finals-calibre squad is their impressive depth.

Jock Madden is a prime example. Returning to the club where he began his career—having played lower grades under Marshall—he has seamlessly stepped up to fill in for an injured Luai, leading to discussions on how best to incorporate all three playmakers, including Doueihi, into the same lineup.

“It’s amazing to see a player like Jock return to the club and really take charge,” Koroisau noted.

“He’s a wonderful bloke, and having such depth across the squad is immensely beneficial.”

“I believe Doueihi has earned his position, but ultimately, we must find a role for Madden … it’s a good dilemma for Benji to have.”

Other gaps in the lineup have emerged early in the season, yet Marshall continually finds ways to address them.

Recently, Patrick Herbert made a stunning comeback from the rugby league sidelines after a four-year absence.

Marshall identified Herbert, whose time away from the sport was plagued by injuries, and helped him secure a spot in the top 30 before he made his club debut against the Newcastle Knights, where he excelled in a 42-22 victory.

The 29-year-old not only scored a try but also assisted another, produced a line break, and covered 184 metres, demonstrating that it’s never too late for a fresh start in the NRL.

“It’s remarkable—after being out of the game for so long and dealing with such serious injuries, making a comeback is incredibly tough,” Koroisau said.

“He committed himself during the pre-season and proved he could be trusted. He returned to the field as if he never left, which was impressive.”

Bulldogs chief Phil Gould previously attempted to sign Herbert but his knee issues prevented a medical clearance from being obtained. “I interviewed him a couple of times a few years back while he was coping with injuries and we discussed a potential opportunity,” Gould shared.

“No doctor was willing to clear him, and he vanished from the scene … it’s a fantastic story, as he has always been a gifted athlete.”

If a relatively inexperienced coach like Marshall can draw out the best in players such as Herbert, Madden, and Twal, what’s the justification for the more seasoned coaches?

While there’s still plenty of room for growth before the Tigers can be crowned legitimate premiership contenders, Marshall has lifted the beleaguered club he cherishes from the depths of despair back towards the pinnacle of the game in under two years.

Should the day come when Luai, Koroisau, or another team player is hoisting the trophy on that first October weekend, we’ll all recognise who the true architect of transformation was for a club that had long hindered its own progress.