Wests Tigers confirm Marshall re-signing
By Steve Jancetic, 26 Feb 2010 Steve Jancetic is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Benji Marshall, NRL, Rugby League, Tim Sheens, Wests Tigers
Benji Marshall is hoping Wests Tigers afford coach Tim Sheens the same confidence they showed in him after the New Zealand Test skipper confirmed his long-term future in the black and gold on Thursday.
Marshall put pen to paper on a deal that will see him stay with the NRL club through to the end of the 2015 season, and he wants Sheens – off-contract at the end of the season – to stick around as well.
“I’ve made the first step in signing for this long and putting myself out there, so hopefully that goes a long way towards helping Tim stay,” Marshall said.
“You only give the coach the sack if there’s someone better to replace him and in the game I don’t think there is anyone better for the job of coaching the Wests Tigers than Tim Sheens.”
Sheens, who claimed the Tigers were “defined” by Marshall, declined to comment on his future.
But he believes the club’s future both on and off the field is looking bright with Marshall’s commitment coming on the back of the signing of dual international Lote Tuqiri.
“You talk about Wests Tigers, he’s one of those players that you talk about,” Sheens said.
“Besides helping us win games and market the club – there’s a whole spectrum … he’s become a leader among the boys.
“He’s captain of his country, he’s won a premiership and he’s a leader amongst our team – that puts him (up there with) as good as any player I’ve coached.”
While Marshall claimed his new deal – which will add four years to the two years he still had to go on his current contract – was about loyalty, he was quick to admit there was also a feeling of security in re-signing for so long.
“It’s a relief – when you get things out of the way, you know your future’s secure, it just gives you that little bit extra not having to worry about injury or little things like that,” Marshall said.
“The loyalty the club has shown me in the past – I had a lot of injuries and ups and downs in my career – and through the ups they were there and through the downs even more.
“It’s all good trying to get as much money as you can but if you’re playing at a place where you’re not comfortable you’re not going to play your best.”
“For me to play my best footy, that’s why I signed.”
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Crosscoder said | February 26th 2010 @ 7:56am | Report comment
So far this year,the code has been swamped with good news stories,unlike the year from hell, 2009.This news about Benji’s long term signing,is up there with the best of them.I know this guy brings people through the gate.A mate of mine wants to know when the Sharks are playing the Tigers,so he can watch Benji play.He is the “pied piper” of the NRL.
it shows loyalty although it be in small doses,still exists within the professional game,but it also has to be reciprocal.I notice the Cronulla club,has kept young Johnny Mannah in the fulltime squad,despite him suffering what can be a life threatening illness Sept last..He is now in remission ,is training full time and wants to give back to the club,because of their loyalty to him.
Good news stories,but all washed away in an instant if a player goes off the deepend.
Andrew Watson said | February 27th 2010 @ 8:28am | Report comment
Tigers play the Sharks tonight at Gosford, but Benji isnt playing and again in Round 21 at Leichhardt Oval….
oikee said | February 26th 2010 @ 8:06am | Report comment
The code is going very strong. The one thing you cant do to rugby league is kill it off with bad news by players, i think we have worked that out now.
Everyone makes mistakes, our body deals with them and we also dont throw players on the scrap-heap if they misbehave, which has merit.
I think people are starting to see that the game is forgiving, the fans are forgiving, and we are all in this together, through thick, and thin.
Best news this year, Benji signing for life. I am now hoping Thurston does the same. He is too good to be lost to union.
Redb said | February 26th 2010 @ 8:18am | Report comment
Marshall has alway been one of my favourite players in league. Appears to be a top bloke off the field as well.
MattS said | February 27th 2010 @ 9:52pm | Report comment
17,500 for a trial at North Harbour for the Warriors, 18,500 double header at Gosford for trials, 27,000 plus for the charity shield all points to a big year for the NRL!
On Benji, watched the replay on fox of last year’s game at the SFS v Parra. What a game!
Also good news that the sharks have picked up a big chinese company in Hisense as major sponsor.