The Wests Tigers circus has continued with the NRL strugglers parting ways with long-time coach Tim Sheens after just 12 months into their ambitious

Key Highlights :

1. Wests Tigers have parted ways with Tim Sheens, who has decided to step down at the end of the season. Benji Marshall will take over as head coach for the 2024 season.

2. Sheens' decision to step down was made of his own volition, and Marshall has been involved in coaching sessions throughout the season.

3. Marshall has never held a head coaching position at NRL level, but he is expected to be looking for an assistant to fill the role he is vacating.

     Sheens' manager Chris Orr indicated to Tigers powerbrokers last week that the 72-year-old wanted to move aside at season's end, despite having a year to run on his deal. Four-time premiership winner Sheens replaced Michael Maguire on a two-year contract in July last year, with Marshall groomed as his assistant with a view to taking the top job in 2025.

     The Tigers are bottom of the ladder with three rounds to go and are facing a 12th-straight year without finals football. Club chairman Lee Hagipantelis said that Sheens' decision to step aside was made of his own volition last week.

     "As a club we could not be happier with what Tim has done for us in terms of transitioning Benji," said Hagipantelis. "Tim was engaged for a particular purpose and that was to transition Benji. He takes the view that if you're good enough, you're old enough and he takes the view that Benji is ready."

     Marshall has never held a head coaching position at NRL level and will be on the hunt for an assistant to fill the role he is vacating. Former Cronulla coach John Morris, who shares the same management company as Sheens, has been mooted as a possible assistant to add to Marshall's coaching staff.

     "I am humbled by Tim's endorsement as the future and long-term head coach of Wests Tigers," said Marshall. "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."

     The Tigers have signed Fainu brothers Samuela and Latu from Manly for 2024 and have also been linked to former Canberra halfback Aidan Sezer, who currently plays for Super League club Leeds.

     The decision by Sheens to step aside prematurely ends the Tigers' five-year plan and they will now be looking to Marshall to lead the club into the future. Marshall has shown his commitment to the club in the past and will be hoping to turn around the fortunes of the struggling NRL side. With the help of an experienced assistant coach, he will be looking to build a successful team that can compete for a premiership in the years to come.

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