Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence were farewelled after Wests Tigers’ loss to Parramatta, but several other NRL players will also leave as part of a cleanout.
Marshall will be just one of eight players to leave Wests Tigers at the end of the year as Michael Maguire begins his clean out of the NRL club.
Marshall’s last game for the Tigers was marred by injury on Saturday night, as medial damage in his knee and broken ribs saw him last just 18 minutes.
The 28-24 loss to Parramatta also doubled as Chris Lawrence’s final game before retirement, while Elijah Taylor has previously revealed he won’t be kept at the club.
The Tigers also announced on Saturday night that Matt Eisenhuth, Dylan Smith, Robert Jennings and Oliver Clark would also not be re-signed.
None of the players have been picked up by other clubs so far.
Harry Grant’s loan from Melbourne has also expired as the Storm wait on a call on Cameron Smith’s future.
It comes after the joint-venture released Corey Thompson and Chris McQueen earlier this year.
“We’ve got a few changes with those boys…and that happens every year with a club,” Maguire said.
“They have put a lot into the Wests Tigers club.
“Once you are a Wests Tigers player you are always a Wests Tigers player. Those boys are always welcomed back.”
James Tamou and Stefano Utoikamanu are at this stage the Tigers’ sole recruits for 2021, but the club are continuing to pursue Josh Addo-Carr from Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Maguire is also hopeful he will have Marshall back immediately next year as part of the club.
The 35-year-old still does not know if he will play in the NRL again, as he remains unsigned for next year with his options seemingly limited.
The Tigers coach has backed his desire to play on, but insists he would one day like to have him on the coaching staff after playing 257 games as a Tiger.
“I would like to think when things get sorted out he is around the club,” Maguire said.
“I see him in the future potentially in coaching positions in different opportunities in the club.
“He loves the club, he loves the Wests Tigers.
“You are always making big decisions as a club with list management. You have to move forward.
“But moving forward off the field I want Benji Marshall to be part of the club.”
On the field Adam Doueihi looks like could be the man to replace Marshall in the No.6 jersey, showing signs of promise on Saturday night.
He had a hand in two tries filling in at five-eighth once Marshall went off, with a move to the halves likely if the Tigers land Addo-Carr as fullback.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
It is at this point that Dufty stands up, faces the crowed with arms outstretched and bellows, ‘ Are you not entertained?’
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I have a feeling your description of the early and middle Benji wouldn't be very different to mine. He has always been special in attack but his attitude to defence let him down. Tim Sheens persevered and turned him into an ok defender . How Sheens left the tigers is a story all on its own. Obviously Madge doesn't accept OK defence. He's an entertainer and attracts a lot of kids to the game, especially Polynesian.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
My description of the early and middle career Benji is not flattering to him. He's manned up in the last few years and has been a joy to watch. It's great that he's gone out with a good reputation.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
no player was sin binned
Rob
Guest
I would like someone to explain why the Tigers player was “sin binned” for self preservation bumping a much bigger man in the ribs, out over the sideline when the attacker was intent on dropping his shoulder into the defender head at full speed in a try scoring situation? Then a Eels player makes contact with the head of an attacker (Benji) with feet off the ground after the ball is has been passed. Benji sustains a significant injury caused by the illegal hit and the player is allowed to stay on the field. Same game, same officials including touch judge side and bunker input. If you give a sin bin for an illegal tackle to one side you are obligated to stand by your decision when it happens to the other team. It’s called impartiality and the basic premise of adjudication. Following on from the B. Smith broken jaw hit being ignored straight after NAS sin bin suspension I find it difficult to believe the Eels penalty and 6 again counts are being legitimately awarded also.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I hope Marshall's injury convinces him retirement is his best option. He dented his reputation going to rugby when he was mentally unfit for marbles let alone a contact sport. He has come a long way in restoring his profile. Stay with your tigers family and go onto the coaching staff. A funny thing happened to me probably 10 years ago.wearing my Balmain jumper I had to go to Bunnings and the local shopping center here south of Brisbane. Over the course of a few hours on 2 or 3 occasions Polynesian kids touched my jumper and said go Benji. (I definitely don't look anything like benji so it's just the jersey) He has so much respect ,stay with the tigers, that's what young Maori kids want all over Australia.