Tigers shake-up begins with assistant coach gone amid review

The first sign Benji Marshall is about to put change through the Wests Tigers has come with John Morris departing as assistant coach.

Morris has been at the Tigers since 2024 after leaving the Rabbitohs the previous year during the messy Sam Burgess exit.

Marshall’s tenure as head coach at the Tigers started with Morris joining the club as well, having been teammates during their playing days.

The former Sharks head coach was signed on a four-year deal but won’t see out the contract as Marshall looks to make change after another disappointing season.

“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.

"John is a very accomplished coach, and I wish him all the very best."

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Wests Tigers chief executive Shaun Mielekamp was thankful for the former hooker’s contribution to the club.

“John’s a great family man and someone we’ve really enjoyed having in our program,” he said.

“We’re grateful for his contribution to the Wests Tigers over the last three seasons and wish him all the best in the future.

“John has a long history with the Wests Tigers and remains a valued member of our alumni.”

The Tigers boss added a review was under way into the men’s program to ensure the club could turn around its fortunes.

“We’re currently working through a review of our men’s program – which is standard practice after any season – led by our senior manager of NRL, Pat Richards,” Mielekamp added.

“It’s a process that will look at all elements of our program and set the foundations for the 2027 season and beyond.”

Marshall’s team around him has become a point of scrutiny since he took charge as head coach, with a distinct Tigers old boys flavour in coaching positions.

His former teammates Chris Heighington and Brett Hodgson hold assistant coaching roles while Richards played in the 2005 grand final with that group too.