EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns Urges Benji Marshall’s Tigers to Embrace Fearless Play

Andrew Johns has praised Benji Marshall for steering the Wests Tigers towards a path of fearless play, confidently positioning the team as a potential premiership contender.

The Tigers, who haven’t seen finals action since 2011, have endured years marked by coaching changes, boardroom conflicts, and the departure of key players.

Yet, in his third year as head coach, Marshall—who electrified the club during their 2005 premiership run—has revitalised the team.

This season, the Tigers have secured four wins from five matches, currently sitting in second place on the ladder, trailing only the Panthers.

The highlight of their season thus far was a standout 32-14 victory against the Warriors in Auckland during round four.

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Marshall’s Tigers are gearing up to take on the Broncos at Campbelltown this Saturday night, with the return of dynamic five-eighth and co-captain Jarome Luai, back from a knee injury.

Brad Fittler showered accolades on the Tigers while appearing on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth.

“They’re excelling in all the crucial areas, truly functioning as a cohesive team,” Fittler remarked. “Watching the game against the Knights, particularly as fatigue set in, they managed to come out of difficult situations easily, with no signs of stress. Jock Madden executed his kicking flawlessly, and they have threats all over the field—Adam Doueihi on the left and Jahream Bula on the right, who moves incredibly well, coupled with Sunia Turuva.

“Across the board, they’re playing much more cohesively, and their attacking prowess has been evident.”

While hosting Freddy and The Eighth, Danika Mason inquired if the Tigers were the “real deal.” Johns’s response was immediate and decisive.

“Absolutely,” he affirmed. “Freddy made a great point; they’re playing without a hint of fear, embracing freedom—the same way Benji played, and clearly the way he’s coaching now. They’re confident, utilising great ball movement and high energy, without the fear of making mistakes, making them challenging to defeat when things click for them.”

Mason pressed again about the Tigers’ potential to go the distance this season.

“Most definitely,” Johns replied succinctly.

Fittler added, “They will continue to improve. If they keep winning, players like Samuela Fainu and Jahrome Bula will only get better, and Adam Doueihi is hitting his stride.”

Madden stepped up admirably during Luai’s absence, pairing effectively with Doueihi in the halves. Despite this, the former Broncos playmaker will return to the bench to accommodate Luai’s comeback.

Fittler noted Madden’s “steady” presence and impressive kicking skills were pivotal for the team in Luai’s absence, stating it would be “intriguing” to see how the four-time NRL champion reintegrates into the squad upon his return. He suggested the possibility of Madden and Luai working together in the halves, with Doueihi shifting to the centres, but Johns was firm in his stance that Madden should retain the role of bench utility.

“That’s his role—14,” the legendary halfback stated. “If Luai and Doueihi are at their best, they’ll be the primary halves, with Jock filling the utility spot.”