Sheens needs to weigh up more than Benji - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Sheens needs to weigh up more than Benji

Ben Horne 17/02/2011 05:37:39 PM Comments (0)

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens is flattered star player Benji Marshall wants him at the club for another five years, but said any decision on his NRL future won't be that simple.

Marshall is contracted to the Tigers for the next five seasons, and has expressed his desire for Sheens to commit to being at the club for at least that long.

One of the game's most successful ever coaches as a four-time premiership winner at Canberra and Wests Tigers, Sheens' current deal expires at the end of this season.

The 60-year-old said on Thursday his focus is on another grand final, and if he keeps winning, his future will take care of itself.

However as he heads into his ninth season at Wests, Sheens admits he must consider whether staying on is the right thing for him and the club.

"It's always hard to know that ... this is nine years, should I move on for their sake too is another thing to think about," Sheens said.

"That's what you always worry about, losing the dressing room, but in saying that, if your ideas are fresh, you get a turnover of people and they're listening and they're doing what you asked them to do then that's not an issue.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that's a major issue for me, but all I've said is right at the moment, I just want to get ready for the season.

"As far as contracts are concerned we've had some preliminary talks, both of us are relaxed with where we're at. I'm not pushing to make a decision or pushing them to make a decision."

Sheens has been a mentor for Marshall and the club's large band of young players throughout their careers, and has built the Tigers' culture from the ground up.

He said it's nice to know he's got Marshall's support, but feigned disappointment that Benji wants him around for just five more.

"It's nice to know he wants me (another) five years ... I thought six. Carty (newly re-signed Gold Coast coach John Cartwright) got six, what's going on there!" said Sheens.

"We've developed a relationship here at the club that's for sure, and those players have been here with me as long as I've been here virtually.

"I think in their mid 20s, 25-26 is when they really should play their best football and enjoy their football.

"We've built a strong club here but if it's time for me to move on sometimes those decisions are made by other people, not you.

"But my worry is to get the team playing footy. We play good footy, we win games, then someone's going to want me."

Sheens named a strong team for Saturday night's trial against Parramatta.

Fullback Wade McKinnon is back from his hamstring worries, while Benji Marshall and Robert Lui will partner up in the halves.

The most concerning news for the Tigers is Gareth Ellis' groin injury, which may keep him out for the first week or two of the competition.

Todd Payten, Bryce Gibbs and Tim Moltzen are also absent, while Liam Fulton is suspended.

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