Seven Wests Tigers have reportedly threatened to quit if or when Benji Marshall is sacked or quits as head coach as the club nominated ex-Eels coach Brad Arthur as a potential replacement.
The Daily Telegraph reported up to seven Tigers stars Jarome Luai, Jahream Bula, Terrell and Taylan May and the Fainu brothers – Sione, Samuela and Latu could all quit the club if Marshall is sacked or quits as coach.
It comes as Wide World of Sports’ The Mole reported the Holman Barnes Group, who have overseen the departure of several board members and club CEO Shaen Richardson have identified Arthur as a future coach to replace Marshall.
Marshall is contracted for the next three years, but will need to make finals next season to guarantee his future at the club, but the boardroom saga has placed uncertainty around his own short and long-term future.
Arthur is currently coaching Leeds in the Super League, but has made no secret of his desire to return for another crack at the NRL and has been linked with the Perth Bears in the past.
Marshall is the last remaining high profile off-field figure at the club after the Holman Barnes Group sacked four independent directors, including Chairman Barry O’Farrell, as well as CEO Richardson.
However, if Marshall is moved on or quits, the seven stars have told the club’s football staff that they would then look to explore opportunities at rival clubs.
The seven stars could reportedly look at heading to the Perth Bears as a package deal for their inaugural season in 2027.
The players could command equal or even bigger pay packets at the Bears, who are struggling to attract marquee stars, and avoid fan backlash due to the boardroom saga that has enraged Tigers supporters.
Luai and Bula have clauses allowing them to leave the club after the 2026 season, with the latter firming to follow close mate Lachlan Galvin and switch to the Bulldogs in 2027.
Marshall is reportedly safe from the axe for now, but given recent events he is no certainty to be the club’s coach long-term and he could even decide it is not worth the headache.
The Tigers finished 13th last season after three straight wooden spoons, but if their roster is gutted with a seven player exodus, it will be devastating for the momentum of the club’s rebuild.
Meanwhile, Richardson’s replacement is yet to be determined with ex-Manly boss Tony Mestrov a potential interim replacement, as is recently promoted Wests Tigers general manager of football, Shaun Mielekamp.
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