The Wests Tigers’ five-year plan has not gone to plan.
The club confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it will part ways with coach Tim Sheens at the end of the season and hand the reins to Benji Marshall 12 months earlier than planned.
Sheens was meant to coach the Tigers for 2023 and 2024 before his assistant Marshall took over for the following three seasons.
The Tigers board made the call to move Sheens on after concerns were raised by key stakeholders over the direction of the club which is headed for consecutive wooden spoons.
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Sheens returned to the Tigers in an administrative role ahead of the 2023 season but was then named head coach for 2024 after Michael Maguire was sacked.
But things haven’t gone to plan and with just three wins from 21 games the 2005 premiership winning coach will depart and he’s his support behind Marshall.
“I came back with a focus on creating stronger pathways and development programs,” Sheens said.
“I am proud of the work accomplished by all involved in the pathways system and of the emerging local talent, in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
“I am extremely proud of what I have been able to do in transitioning Benji into the main role and wish him and the club all the success in the future.”
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Marshall, who played 346 NRL games, said he‘s grown as a coach under Sheens this season.
“I am humbled by Tim’s endorsement as the future and long-term head coach of Wests Tigers,” Marshall said..
“To be the head coach of Wests Tigers has been a long-held dream of mine since retiring from playing.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to take on the role and I am indebted to Tim for all that he has taught me, both as a player and as an assistant coach.
“I know that I am ready to take on the role with all the support that the club has offered.”
Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe says the club is appreciative of what Sheens has done for club.
“On behalf of the club, I cannot thank Tim enough for his contribution over the past three years,” Pascoe said.
“It has been a very difficult period for the club, but Tim has remained staunch and committed to what we have been trying to achieve, and to the development of our pathways and coaching programs.
“As a result, we have a very strong group of young men and women coming through, together with a new head coach who is ready and excited to lead this club into the future.”
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