It has been seven weeks since the Wests Tigers last enjoyed a win in the NRL, yet coach Benji Marshall believes that their triumph over the Sydney Roosters was “not good enough”.
Missing key players like their skippers Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau, the Wests Tigers pulled off a thrilling 30-28 victory against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
The outcome offered a hopeful glimpse for the club and its players, who dedicated their hard-fought win to Marshall following a challenging week for the young coach.
With a youthful squad taking the lead, players such as Samuela, Latu, and Sione Fainu made impactful contributions, each crossing the line for vital tries.
Marshall commended the trio’s performance after the match, but his remarks regarding the next generation of talent at the Tigers drew a straightforward reaction from him.
“It’s quite the turnaround from the discussions earlier in the week about releasing juniors,” he stated when asked if he was encouraged by the fresh talent coming through for the club.
Benji Marshall, coach of the Wests Tigers. Fox League
“You win one match and suddenly that narrative changes.
“There was a lot of rubbish circulating during the week that was both untrue and unfair, especially considering our losing streak. The speculation about me and Adam was absurd, and it put us in a defensive position.
“It creates unnecessary pressure on the club from misleading information, which is precisely what we don’t need.”
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Marshall went on to address the concerns surrounding the club’s decisions on letting young players go.
“We didn’t release any juniors; those players chose not to stay,” he explained.
“We want individuals who are committed to being part of this club.
“Players like Latu, Samuella, and Luke Laulilii are keen to be here.
“However, it’s crucial to have a solid group of leaders steering the team, and they were exceptional today.”
The 40-year-old acknowledged that the win felt “like a reward for our efforts” in recent weeks but also recognised that there’s room for improvement.
“It’s not sufficient, to be honest,” Marshall remarked regarding the team’s success.
“At one point, we had a three-try lead but allowed them to come back. If we become complacent with narrow victories, we risk stagnation. You have to wonder how we can play 40 minutes so well and then permit them to re-enter the game?
“We need to maintain that level of play for 80 minutes—that’s our objective moving forward.
“I believe there is still plenty of potential within us, and we can enhance our performance. Having Jarome and Api back next week will assist in this, but there’s a long journey ahead.
“I want to replicate this success next week.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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