Tigers coach Tim Sheens has reaffirmed his commitment to the club and insisted he won’t leave his role and appoint Benji Marshall as head coach early.
Sheens, alongside assistants Robbie Farah and Marshall were appointed ahead of the 2023 season with a succession plan in place that will see the former playmaker take over in 2025.
After five rounds the Tigers sit dead last and are the only team yet to record a win with the competition’s biggest points differential at -64.
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The club’s administration have also come under fire in recent weeks for their ANZAC jersey design after it emerged stock images of American soldiers were used instead of Australian or New Zealand troops.
The Tigers are desperate to record their first win of the season against the Eels on Easter Monday, but even if Sheens’ side come away with a loss — he won’t walk out on the team.
“Benji is already heavily involved, and we’re working as a team,” Sheens told the SMH.
“I don’t care what people say, my commitment is to this club.
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“I love doing what I’m doing. I’m disappointed at times, as is every coach. But I’m not giving up on the season. I’m committed to this group.
“I said that after the Broncos loss. And I won’t be giving up on this group.”
Sheens also went in to bat for embattled halfback Luke Brooks, with criticism of his early season performances mounting.
Despite the club’s pursuit of veteran playmaker Mitchell Pearce and superstar Mitchell Moses, Sheens is still backing the 28-year-old to deliver.
Brooks remains without a contract for 2023 and is reportedly earning a whopping $1.1 million in 2023.
The former Dally M Halfback of the Year is set to take a big pay cut on any new contract and Sheens said the barrage of criticism he receives is unwarranted.
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“He’s been copping it for the last 18 months, almost to the point of bullying, even by you guys. The media are giving it to him,” Sheens said on Sunday.
“I’ve been happy with the way he is progressing. Two weeks ago he scored a good try, set one up.
“I thought he was busy for us last week, better than the other halves to be quite honest.
“I don’t know what he has to do to get people off his back. My attitude is keep playing footy and keep working on his game.
“There is nothing major wrong with his game, it’s just everyone expects him to score five tries a game for some reason.”
Sheens also revealed that Moses was “genuinely interested” in a move to Leichhardt before signing an extension through to 2028 worth a reported $6 million.
