Under Siege: NRL Coaches Crumble Under Pressure — But Why Benji Marshall Must Be Untouchable
Pressure is mounting across the NRL coaching landscape, with several head coaches under increasing scrutiny following a string of disappointing performances. Over the weekend, emotions ran high as Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall offered a brutally honest assessment of his team’s struggles, comparing his post-match media appearance to delivering his own eulogy. The Tigers’ loss to the Warriors marked their seventh defeat in eight games, but despite the poor form, Marshall’s position is not — and should not be — under serious threat.
Marshall, still in the early days of his coaching tenure, is part of a long-term rebuild. His passion and accountability are evident, and unlike some of his peers, he’s inherited a side with structural issues far deeper than tactics or weekly selections.
Elsewhere, North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten admitted to sleepless nights as his side continues to look disjointed and lacking in effort. Over on the Gold Coast, Des Hasler’s grim expressions in the coach’s box said it all as the Titans sit rooted to the bottom of the table, again outplayed by local rivals the Broncos.
The State of Origin series provided a stark contrast between coaching fortunes. Queensland’s Billy Slater once again demonstrated poise and tactical brilliance, while New South Wales’ Laurie Daley faced renewed scrutiny after another series loss.
At club level, some gambles have not paid off. Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo made a bold call to drop mid-season signing Lachlan Galvin, which ultimately helped snap a losing streak. In contrast, Parramatta’s Jason Ryles tried playing Dylan Brown at hooker — a move that backfired, although with Brown bound for Newcastle, experimentation is perhaps justified.
Meanwhile, the next wave of coaches is quietly rising. Names like Willie Peters (whose success at Hull KR in the UK has turned heads), Dean Young, Josh Hannay, Matt King and Ben Hornby are building impressive coaching resumes and waiting in the wings.
Yet among all the noise, one thing is clear — Benji Marshall must be given time. The rebuild at Wests is about vision, not quick fixes.
