Mole’s season review: ‘Dreadful’ collapse puts Benji’s job in danger
With wins in four of their first five games, it looked like Wests Tigers had finally shed the misery of the past decade and were set for a place in the finals under Benji Marshall.
But it all fell apart in spectacular fashion, with only four more wins for the rest of the season and more questions than answers. It’s now 15 years since they last played finals.
The Adam Doueihi saga was just another chapter in Wests Tigers’ slide in 2026. Getty Images
Without doubt, the turning point came in late April when marquee man Jarome Luai shocked the league world by announcing he was quitting the club to join the PNG Chiefs on a massive tax-free contract from 2028.
Luai’s teammates - many of whom came to the club to play alongside the former Penrith multi-premiership winner - were clearly taken aback and the club lost its way.
Ultimately, it was decided there was no point in Luai remaining at the club next season and he has signed for a year with Parramatta, only rubbing salt in the Tigers’ wounds.
The drama didn’t end there - Adam Doueihi fell out with embattled coach Benji Marshall, refusing to play in a mid-season game in Canberra when moved out of the halves.
The pair patched things up somewhat, but the incident added to the despair of fans and reinforced the thoughts of many in the league that the Tigers are still a basket case.
With Luai moving on, the Tigers will be hoping for a fresh start - and a united front - next season.
Marshall must be under pressure after the club’s dreadful fall from grace and will need early wins to feel secure about his future.
Recruitment has been modest - but Jake Averillio (Dolphins) is one good signing who can play anywhere in the backline and has pace and experience.
Jayden Brailey from the Raiders will be a handy back-up for Api Koroisau, who had a fine year once again at hooker but isn’t getting any younger.
The halves selections will be interesting, with Doueihi, Latu Fainu, Javon Andrews and Jock Madden left to fight it out for the two spots.
There is plenty of talent in Tigertown and that is why the fans are so frustrated - they are a club that should be coming close to finals football rather than battling to avoid the wooden spoon.
Benji Marshall. Getty
Best player: Koroisau gave his all in a disappointing season for the club, always dangerous out of dummy half and usually topping the tackle count. Sadly, many of the club’s young talents failed to follow his lead.
Biggest disappointment: Last season, Jahream Bula was as good as any fullback in the game on his day - he still has the ability but was a shadow of that player in 2026.
Key signing: With his ability to fill several spots in the backline and pace and class, Averillo will be a good gain for the club and add to their attacking strike power.
2027 gains: Jake Averillio (Dolphins), Junior Tupou (Roosters), Jayden Brailey (Raiders)
2027 losses: Luke Laulilii (Perth Bears), Kit Laulilii (Perth Bears), Starford To'a (Sea Eagles), Mavrik Geyer (Perth Bears), Jarome Luai (Eels)
