How did Benji Marshall unwind before achieving a resounding first victory as head coach of the Wests Tigers against Cronulla at Leichhardt Oval, known as the Eighth Wonder of the World? He opted for a round of 18 holes at Concord Golf Course early on Saturday morning.
Benji has demonstrated his willingness to trust his instincts and make daring decisions in his two NRL matches as the Wests Tigers’ coach. Initially giving Jayden Sullivan the opportunity to wear the Tigers’ number 7 jersey, Marshall swiftly switched to Aidan Sezer, who showcased a superb all-around left-foot kicking game against the Sharks.
It’s important to clarify that there’s no criticism directed at Marshall for indulging in golf, as the outcome against Cronulla clearly highlighted the exceptional preparation of the entire Wests Tigers coaching staff.
The Tigers’ strategic gameplay, particularly in targeting Sharks playmaker Nicho Hynes, exemplified effective coaching. In a departure from his usual form, Hynes made a season-high 28 tackles, missed five, and kicked two balls out on the full.
Benji openly discussed his game-day routine and how it aids his mental relaxation before the intense pressures of being an NRL head coach. He emphasized the importance of individualized preparation for players, acknowledging that everyone has their own methods.
Other NRL coaches also adopt diverse methods to sharpen their focus on game day. For instance, Wayne Bennett often tends to his farm chores before matches, while Craig Fitzgibbon favors jiu-jitsu sessions. The key is finding what works best for each coach.
Marshall understands that the challenge for the Wests Tigers now is to replicate their performance against Parramatta on Easter Monday.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters have shown promising signs of regaining their momentum in the opening rounds of the season. Their upcoming clash against Penrith in round four will provide a true gauge of their progress.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has faced eight consecutive losses against Penrith since round one in 2020. However, with key Panthers players sidelined, the Roosters have a prime opportunity to end this streak.
The latest update on Nathan Cleary’s hamstring injury suggests he might also miss round five against Manly, with a potential return in round seven against the Wests Tigers.
This scenario presents the best-case outlook for the champion number 7’s recovery from the setback.