Benji Marshall and Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson are facing criticism for leaving Australia during the club’s dismal performance streak.
Richardson reportedly traveled to England for recruitment purposes, while coach Marshall took a family vacation in Fiji. Although the Tigers have a bye this week, their last victory was a narrow win against the Eels on Easter Monday in Round 4, one of only two wins under Marshall this season. Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield criticized Richardson’s timing, given the team’s position at the bottom of the NRL ladder, sponsorship issues, and the unresolved search for a long-term home ground.
“What I find quite remarkable is that their chief executive officer, Shane Richardson, has taken himself to the UK for two weeks amid this crisis,” Rothfield said on NRL360.
Rothfield questioned why Richardson wasn’t in Australia addressing these pressing issues, but NRL360 panellist Brent Read defended Richardson, explaining his trip was to scout Super League players and explore club partnerships.
“He’s looking at players in Super League, he’s also looking at clubs over there that might be interested in some Wests Tigers players,” Read explained.
However, Rothfield argued that Richardson acting as the recruitment manager was an inefficient use of resources.
NRL360 host Braith Anasta also criticized the optics of the situation, especially given the team’s eight-game losing streak.
“There have got to be question marks over Richo at the moment,” Anasta said.
Concerns were also raised about Marshall’s vacation during the team’s struggles. League legend Gorden Tallis questioned if veteran coaches like Craig Bellamy or Wayne Bennett would take a holiday in similar circumstances, implying a need for greater dedication during tough times.
The panel agreed that the optics were particularly poor given the team’s recent losses.
“It’s a bad look because they’re going terrible,” Anasta added.
The situation worsened with news that star backrower Isaiah Papali’i will leave for the Panthers at the end of the year, and speculation that forward Stefano Utoikamanu is considering a move to a more successful club.
“He wants to play at a more successful club, he wants to get a premiership ring one day,” Rothfield noted, highlighting interest from clubs like the Bulldogs, Souths, and Penrith.
