Wests Tigers and Kiwi footy fan has Benji Marshall sign his father’s ashes in rare heartwarming moment for fight club
- Benji Marshall agreed to sign Dad’s ashes carried by a Tigers fan
- Comes as the NRL club has confirmed that Marshall will be head coach in 2024
- Wests Tigers struggled this year, will ‘win’ consecutive wooden spoons
The Wests Tigers are on the verge of ‘winning’ consecutive NRL wooden spoons but are still attracting some fans from beyond the grave.
In emotional scenes, club legend Benji Marshall took the time to draw a father’s ashes holding his son proudly.
The supporter in question recently held up a sign begging Marshall to do so – and the 2005 premiership winner stepped off the team bus to rejoice.
It comes as the embattled joint venture club announced this week that Tim Sheens will finish the season – but the champion five-eighth will be the head coach at Concord in 2024 – a year earlier than first expected.
“It was unreal 12 months ago when I was appointed to this position to become head coach in 2025. The fact that it came earlier than expected is a bit of a shock, but it excites me,” said Marshall.
Footy legend Benji Marshall recently showed his compassionate side by signing a fan’s ashes upon request
This week the joint venture club announced that Marshall will be the head coach in 2024, replacing Tim Sheens
‘It wouldn’t happen without Tim, so I’m very grateful to him.
“I could have stayed in TV, worked in radio, but there’s an absolute goal in coaching that I really enjoy and to be able to do it at the club I’ve spent so much time playing for, it’s a privilege for me.
“It’s not about the money, it’s not about the challenge it seems to be, it’s about what I get out of it. I really enjoy it.
“I bring that joy to work every day and try to turn those results around next season, but for now I will be assistant coach for another three weeks.”
Fox League host Matty Johns believes it is integral for Marshall to surround himself with the right people in what seems like a very daunting challenge for an unproven NRL-level coach.
Marshall (pictured, with wife Zoe) will be a rookie NRL head coach – and according to Fox League host Matty Johns, he will have to lean on experienced coaches on his staff from day one
“First, he needs stability, and second, he needs to be surrounded by experience. It’s crucial,” he said.
“I think sometimes a younger coach needs someone who knows what the pressure is, who can relieve the pressure from the coach, from the players. Almost someone to lean on.
“He sure has a big job ahead of him.”
Former Cronulla coach John Morris has been mooted as a possible assistant to add to Marshall’s coaching staff.