Building a Family Culture: Benji Marshall‘s Early Success at the tigers
The Wests Tigers‘ recent recruitment strategy, highlighted by the inclusion of the Fainu brothers and the Mays – Terrell and Taylan – has fostered a unique team dynamic under coach Benji Marshall. This approach goes beyond simply assembling a talented squad; Marshall has cultivated a strong sense of connection amongst his players, rooted in a feeling of shared belonging.
Coaches across professional sports continually seek the optimal methods to motivate peak performance. Marshall appears to have discovered a notably effective formula for the Tigers, centering on the concept of family within the team. He actively encourages players’ children to join the team in the dressing room after matches, a small gesture that underscores his commitment to this philosophy.Assistant coach Benji Richardson believes Marshall has assembled a group fully invested in the team’s vision. “He’s finally got a crew who have bought into what we want to do, understand their place is secure and understand each day Benji has a way of coaching and playing the game,” Richardson stated.
Though, early success doesn’t guarantee long-term stability, particularly for a coach still establishing themselves. Veteran coach Wayne Bennett, speaking to foxsports.com.au, acknowledged Marshall’s potential. “Benji was a really smart player and a really smart guy to talk to about football and how it should be played,” Bennett said. “it was obvious to me he would finish up coaching. He’s very good with people.”
Bennett stressed the importance of organizational support for young coaches. “But you need a club that’s going to stand behind you. I was a young coach once and I’m only here becuase a couple of chairmen stuck behind me at different stages of my career when I was on the edge. They give you that bit of time you need to get it done. The problem is everyone wants results and they think the next guy can get it for you, but it doesn’t work like that.”
The NRL has seen numerous players transition directly into coaching roles, and navigating the shift from teammate to coach can be challenging. Marshall’s playing career concluded in 2021 with a bench appearance in South Sydney’s Grand Final loss to Penrith.His final season under Bennett may have accelerated his coaching aspirations, and at 40 years old, he still possesses the physical ability to participate in drills with his players.
The question remains whether a coach should actively demonstrate skills alongside players, or maintain a more detached, observational role.Richardson highlighted Marshall’s hands-on coaching style, comparing it to Bennett’s approach. “If you look at wayne Bennett, he’s on the field the whole time,” richardson explained.”Wayne Bennett and Benji don’t rely on what a lot of coaches do, which is not pulling up a mistake and just getting onto the next play. They will rely on looking at a drone afterwards.But they’re hands-on then and there. They show you at the time, ‘you should have gone left that way, or that pass wasn’t delayed long enough…’ They stop training to make sure they fix that mistake. that’s the way he coaches.”
Marshall has recently shifted to observing games from the sideline, a change Richardson believes enhances his effectiveness. “Benji is working out his style of coaching. now he’s on the sideline (during games), which I think is great. He feels more effective down there.”
Richardson concluded, “We’re lucky to have him. People talk about loving the club, he actually loves the club – and the fans too.”
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