NRL News: Billy Slater lashes out after Benji Marshall’s family caught in ‘inappropriate’ fury

Billy Slater hit the criticism surrounding Benji Marshall’s decision to take a mid-season trip with his family in Fiji, during a recent round of bye for the Wests Tigers. The entire playing team and coaching staff were given three days off during the major bye round before the Original state series opener, with Marshall taking the opportunity to recharge the batteries by taking a short getaway with his wife and children.

Considering the Tigers were in the midst of an eight-game losing streak at that point, many critics said it was a terrible feeling for the coach to go on vacation, and insisted that he should have worked on a way to turn the team’s tide. fortunes. After the break, Marshall and his players returned to training before suffering a ninth consecutive defeat in the final. Friday Night Flogging by the Dragons.

Billy Slater calls criticism of Benji Marshall ‘inappropriate’

The manner of the defeat and the Tigers’ poor run of form only intensified the scrutiny against Marshall in his first year as head coach. But Maroons coach Slater has thrown his support behind the first-year head coach and insists he must be given time to make his mark at a club which has won back-to-back wooden spoons . Slater said the criticism of Marshall has been “inappropriate” and noted that he faced backlash before even coaching a game.

“I empathize with Benji because he probably feels like he has to defend himself and validate some of the decisions he’s making off the field, which is just totally inappropriate,” Slater said on The Billy Slater podcast. Nine. “(Teams) are exempt throughout the year. Players must stay away from the game. Coaches must stay away from the game.

“Benji hadn’t even coached a game and he was being criticized. You have to give people a chance. It’s not an easy job to do. If you’re criticizing him and you think you can do a better job, say it with your hand raised. At the end of the day, he’s out there trying to make a difference for his club.

The Tigers’ nine-game losing streak has increased the pressure on Marshall, with some critics suggesting the enormous task of ensuring Wests Tigers success again is too big a task for a rookie coach. But Slater believes the big club – who won the 2005 NRL grand final with the Tigers – “is the right man for the job” and understands the fabric of the joint venture club better than anyone.

Marshall is still building a team that fits the style of football and the direction he wants to take the club. And the acquisition of three-time Penrith winner Jarome Luai from next season will certainly make them a more formidable team. But Marshall should take credit for having the courage to support some of his younger players, such as five-eighth Lachlan Galvin, 18, with Slater urging critics of the manager to be patient .

Billy Slater backs Benji Marshall as Wests Tigers coach

“I believe he is the right man for the job. He is passionate about this club. He knows the game as well as anyone,” Slater said. “There were times throughout the year where this team looked like they were moving forward.

“Consistency is not easy in this competition. When you have younger players, especially younger players in key positions, it’s going to take time. We’ve heard Ricky Stuart talk about patience with these young players. You have to be patient. Sometimes in the media I feel we are a little impatient.

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Marshall announced the changes for Saturday’s crucial home game against the Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval, with Galvin left out with a hand injury and amid reports he wants to leave the club. Skipper Api Koroisau has been moved to halftime, where he will join Aidan Sezer, who returns from suspension. Solomona Faataape joins the 17 in place of Solomon Alaimalo (header) and Tallyn Da Silva has been named to play at hooker, while Koroisau will take the No.7 jersey.

Out-of-contract five-eighth Adam Doueihi has been included in the reserves after being out for over a year due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered at the start of last season. Playmaker Jayden Sullivan (finger injury) joins the club’s long list of unavailable players, although center Justin Olam has been named despite a long-standing knee injury.

with PAA