Watching the Wests Tigers hand Benji Marshall his first NRL coaching victory while he was in the stands at Leichhardt Oval gave Scott Prince more reason to think that his former premiership-winning halves partner will be leading lots more wins.
Both Marshall and Prince, who played a key role in the joint venture’s lone NRL championship in 2005, are currently pursuing careers as coaches: Marshall as the mentor of his beloved Tigers, and Prince with Brisbane’s NRLW team.
Prince attended the 2005 Tigers’ annual catch-up game last weekend in Sydney, where they defeated Cronulla 32–6.
Following the game, Prince was in the locker room and observed how Marshall’s speech was received.
“I watched the way he delivered his final chat and I was so impressed with the respect the players have for Benji,” Prince stated to AAP.
“I am really thrilled about what the Tigers have ahead of them, especially with the atmosphere he has surrounding the squad.
“The players have faith in his words and his direction. For any football team, that belief is all that matters within those four walls.”
Marshall will not have an easy time of it. Every move he makes will be magnified to the maximum extent due to his status and profile.
“I spoke with him, and you can understand that there is a lot of pressure from the media in Sydney, where everyone is demanding revenge when a side doesn’t win.
“He is a young coach doing his hardest, and I was ecstatic to see him win the opening game of the year.
Furthermore, because of their game plan and their defensive effort, the squad was able to risk all for him.
“I know he and the Tigers will have many ups and downs throughout the year, but there are some really encouraging signs.”
“They are going to have to win ugly to claw their way back and build confidence they can take on the heavyweights of the NRL.”
Tigers supporters will be happy to hear that Prince was reminded of the 2005 preliminary final by Wests’ convincing 20–12 victory over St George Illawarra, which cemented their reputation as more than just an attacking powerhouse.
“The most difficult club match I have ever played in was the preliminary in 2005. We worked so hard for each other, and it was fast and physical,” Prince recounted.
“Robbie Farah and I earned repeat sets in our kicking game, which helped us build pressure.
“They scored multiple tries off kicks with effort areas around just battling for the ball the other night, and they did that for Benji.”
“The Tigers won on the back of defensive effort.”
Prince gave an explanation of why he thought Marshall would develop into a superb mentor.
“His experience as a player doesn’t mean he will just automatically convert into a good coach, but he knows about delivery under pressure and has a great understanding of the media, which I think is one key aspect of being a head coach,” Prince stated.
“Benji is skilled at relieving the playing group of pressure and inspiring faith in his ability to accomplish his goals.
“It’s wonderful to see that he also wants to accomplish this his way, but he required the club’s support from the beginning.
“He acquired some useful players. One that comes to mind is the Storm’s Justin Olam, who was outstanding against Cronulla.
“His experience as a player doesn’t mean he will just automatically convert into a good coach, but he knows about delivery under pressure and has a great understanding of the media, which I think is one key aspect of being a head coach,” Prince stated.
“Benji is skilled at relieving the playing group of pressure and inspiring faith in his ability to accomplish his goals.
“It’s wonderful to see that he also wants to accomplish this his way, but he required the club’s support from the beginning.
Benji has made a wager on Lachlan Galvin, a five-eighth who is eighteen years old. From a coaching perspective, it is incredibly positive that he has demonstrated belief in himself.”
Marshall’s ability to sign Penrith No. 6 Jarome Luai, a three-time premiership winner, for the upcoming season is another indication of the respect that NRL players have for him.
“Let’s speak the truth. Although they haven’t been playing well, Prince stated that Benji’s decision to bring in a player of Luai’s caliber and try to turn the team around to a top-eight squad is a very positive omen for the future.
Prince is convinced that Marshall is benefiting from the mindset of 2005 Tigers championship-winning coach Tim Sheens.
“Tim has the ability to think outside the square holistically while getting you to understand the game and the simplicity of it,” Prince stated.
“He issues a challenge to you. That goes beyond Benji alone.
“Benji knows how to play the game. He is aware of the club. Payten told AAP, “He knows what he wants his football team to look like and what he has ahead of him.”
“I believe he is receiving the help he requires, and I hope he succeeds—just not at our expense.
“And one other thing … I have never seen the kid fail at anything.”
