‘Don’t care’: Sheens unloads on Tigers critics

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has made his feelings clear over criticism of the club after its winless streak to start the season.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald ahead of his side’s clash with Parramatta, Sheens was in no mood to appease any critics suggesting assistant coach Benji Marshall should be parachuted into the role.

“Benji is already heavily involved, and we’re working as a team,” he said. “I don’t care what people say; my commitment is to this club.”

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Marshall is scheduled to start as head coach in 2025 with Sheens in charge for the next 18 months.

The Tigers have had a horrendous week leading into the Monday afternoon fixture with chief executive officer Justin Pascoe criticised heavily for being on his phone in the dressing sheds during Sheens’ half-time address against the Broncos.

Following on, the club then had a drawn out ANZAC Day commemorative jersey disaster where an image of American soldiers was used rather than Australians. 

Despite the disappointment that’s come from the start of the season, Sheens is determined to ride past the wave of negativity.

“I love doing what I’m doing. I’m disappointed at times, as is every coach. But I’m not giving up on the season. I’m committed to this group. I said that after the Broncos loss. And I won’t be giving up on this group,” he said.

“I’m employed to do a job. I’ve worked hard with these guys to put this team together, and I’ll continue to work hard to try and recruit and improve this squad.”

Sheens also said the Tigers well and truly in the hunt for Mitchell Moses before the Eels halfback signed on for a whopping $6 million deal with Parramatta.

“We went after him for a reason; Mitchell was our junior in a sense, and I signed him many years ago,” Sheens said.

“He’s clearly talented, and that’s why Parramatta paid so much to keep him. He was genuinely interested in us and gave us the time of day. But he was drawn back to his own club, and that’s fine. He made his call and we move on.”

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