Townsville Bulletin

Benji walks away from media gigs

- DAVID RICCIO

BENJI Marshall is going all-in for the Wests Tigers, resigning from his high-profile media commitment­s with Fox Sports and Triple M.

The NRL coach in-waiting has made the tough call to step away from the major NRL broadcaste­rs simply due to the demands involved with helping resurrect Wests Tigers.

Working as a commentato­r and panellist providing expert opinion, Marshall had developed into a hugely respected voice for both networks.

In turning his focus towards the rebuild of the Tigers, Marshall has given up his own Monday night show on Fox

League. ‘Benji’ will be replaced, beginning next Monday night at 7.30pm, with a new one-onone interview show.

The show will focus on delivering the biggest interviews in the game. “We’ve loved working with Benji, he’s a superstar of the game and we look forward to continuing to work with him as coach of the Tigers,” Fox Sports executive editor Luke Mcilveen said.

“The Tigers are a big club with a rusted-on fan base and his next journey 20 years after leading them to a premiershi­p will be fascinatin­g.

“Our new Monday night show straight after NRL 360 at 7.30pm on Fox League will feature an exclusive interview with the biggest names in the game – beginning with Benji, The Full Story, next Monday.”

Appointed assistant coach to Sheens for the next two seasons before taking over as head coach from 2025, Marshall wasn’t expected to begin working with Wests Tigers until November 1.

However, Marshall met with Fox League and Triple M executives last Monday to explain why he needed to step away.

“Everyone at Triple M congratula­tes Benji on his appointmen­t with the Tigers,’’ Triple M head of sports content Ewan Giles said.

“His insight is first-class and he’ll be a tremendous acquisitio­n for the club.

“We wish him all the best.’’ Marshall said: “It’s been born out of wanting to get started now with Tim (Sheens). No doubt it was a tough call.”

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