Billy Slater has come to the defense of Benji Marshall after the Wests Tigers coach faced criticism for taking a mid-season holiday to Fiji with his wife and children during the club’s slump in form.
During the Tigers’ bye round, which included a three-day break for players and coaching staff, Marshall opted for a brief overseas break.
Critics questioned the timing of the holiday, given the Tigers’ eight-game losing streak, suggesting Marshall should have been focusing on improving the team.
Last Friday’s 56-14 defeat to the Dragons marked the Tigers’ ninth consecutive loss, leaving them at the bottom of the ladder and potentially heading for another wooden spoon.
Slater has voiced his support for Marshall, describing the criticism directed at him as ‘inappropriate.’
“[Teams] get byes throughout the year. Players need to get away from the game. Coaches need to get away from the game,” Slater said on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.
“I feel for Benji because he probably has to feel like he has to defend himself and validate some decisions that he makes off the field which is just totally inappropriate,” Slater continued.
“Benji hadn’t even coached a game and he was being criticised. You gotta give people a chance. This is not an easy job to do.
“If you’re out there criticising him and you think you can do a better job, put your hand up.
“At the end of the day, he’s in there having a go and trying to turn things around for his club.”
Slater emphasized that Marshall has shown progress with the team, especially with the younger players.
“I believe he is the right person for the job. He’s passionate about this club. He knows the game as well as anyone,” Slater said.
“There have been times throughout the year when this team has looked like they were moving forward.
“Consistency isn’t easy in this competition. When you’ve got younger players, especially younger players in key positions, it is going to take time.
“We’ve heard Ricky Stuart talk about patience with these young players. You have got to be patient. At times, in the media, I feel we are a little bit impatient.”
Reports suggesting Marshall wasn’t pulling his weight at the club first surfaced in March, but he responded by highlighting his commitment.
“Rumors that Marshall wasn’t pulling his weight at the club first circulated in March, but he hit back and insisted he is the ‘first in the building’ before training every day.
“Marshall told how he ‘prioritizes his family between had
