Wests Tigers Begin Coaching Reshuffle as Finals Officiating Under Scrutiny
Benji Marshall has moved quickly to reshape his Wests Tigers coaching staff, with assistant coach John Morris departing the club three years into a four-year deal. The move comes as the Tigers conduct a full review of a season that ended with the club finishing 15th and extending its infamous finals drought.
Why did John Morris leave the Wests Tigers?
Morris, who played 72 of his 300 NRL matches with the Tigers between 2007 and 2009, returned to the club for the 2024 season after a stint with the Rabbitohs. His departure opens a spot in the assistant coaching ranks, with veteran coach Shane Flanagan previously linked to the role.
Fox League's Paul Crawley reported in July that Flanagan, who parted ways with the Dragons in April, had been discussed as a senior assistant to provide experience behind the scenes.
“Bomber's experience and professionalism has been invaluable to me and the team, especially as a new Head Coach. I will always be thankful and grateful for his support,” Marshall said in a statement.
Morris has been open about his desire to secure a second head coaching role. He previously led the Sharks from 2019 to 2021, first as interim coach and then on a full-time basis, before being axed five matches into the 2021 season despite guiding the club to finals appearances in 2019 and 2020.
His Tigers contract included a clause allowing release if a senior coaching position opened elsewhere. Reports have linked the 46-year-old to a move to the Dragons under new head coach Dean Young.
What does the Tigers' season review involve?
Tigers CEO Shaun Mielekamp confirmed a review is underway following a disastrous second half of the season. After a strong 5-2 start, the team flagged badly, hampered by off-field controversies including a clash between Marshall and Adam Doueihi, finishing with an 8-16 record.
Mielekamp described the review as “standard practice after any season” and said it would “look at all elements of our program and set the foundations for the 2027 season and beyond.”
Referee Todd Smith overlooked for finals after forward pass controversy
Senior referee Todd Smith has been omitted from the NRL's officials list for the first week of finals, reportedly due to a missed forward pass call in the Storm's final-round win over the Sharks.
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon criticised the oversight, which allowed Nick Meaney's pass to Hugo Peel to stand for the Storm's first try.
“If you don't know what a forward pass looks like at this current point in your career, I don't know either,” Fitzgibbon said post-match.
Adam Gee will join Ashley Klein, Gerard Sutton and Grant Atkins as the four referees for the weekend. Gee, who as video referee ruled a dubious Sua Fa'alogo put-down inconclusive, will officiate the Warriors' qualifying final against the Dolphins in New Zealand.
Liam Martin on his Panthers future and PNG speculation
Penrith back-rower Liam Martin has dismissed talk of a potential move to Papua New Guinea, where the NRL's newest franchise has been wooing star players with tax-free deals.
“I'll be in cattle class. I'll be in economy,” Martin joked about a potential PNG tour.
Martin has another year on his Penrith deal and will command significant offers when he next signs, likely hitting the open market on November 1. The 30-year-old was outstanding in this year's Origin decider and won the Clive Churchill Medal in 2024.
“I try to block that out, that external noise, especially this time of year. I just try to focus on my footy and let it do the talking,” he said.
The Panthers, who have already claimed the minor premiership, are favourites to beat the Roosters on Sunday. Martin said last year's preliminary final defeat continues to motivate the group.
“That feeling last year that we sort of let it slip away (burns). Looking back we were like 'so close yet so far away'. That was a big driving factor of this year and one that still definitely motivates us.”
What are the key takeaways from this week in the NRL?
- The Wests Tigers are restructuring their coaching staff and conducting a full season review.
- Referee Todd Smith has been overlooked for finals after a controversial forward pass call.
- Liam Martin has parked contract talks with Penrith and dismissed PNG speculation.
- The Panthers enter the finals as minor premiers and strong title favourites.