Outgoing Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has put the pressure on Benji Marshall and his squad in 2024 with a bizarre promise the struggling club will win more games than they lose next season.
Hagipentalis stepped down along with the entire board on Tuesday in a dramatic shake-up for the club.
The Tigers won just four games and lost 20 on their way to back-to-back wooden spoons last season, while the team with the fewest wins that won more than they lost was the Raiders.
Canberra won 13 games and lost 11 to finish in eighth spot, while the Roosters also won 13 and lost 11 to finish seventh.
Watch sport this summer live with no ad breaks in play on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
NRL meets NFL! Stars on show in Vegas | 02:06
That means if last year’s ladder is the guide, the Tigers would be finals bound in 2024, which is a remarkable leap from their last place finish the year before.
Speaking on SEN radio before the news broke of the board shake-up, Hagipantelis may have been trying to instil some confidence in his long-suffering fans, but he may have put even more pressure on the playing group and new coach Marshall in the process.
“We fully understand and share the angst and disappointment of what has occurred this year and last year,” Hagipantelis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“There is no point in downplaying it.
“We are absolutely committed to turning things around. It’s been a work in progress for quite some time.
“Have mistakes been made? Perhaps, in hindsight.
MORE NRL NEWS
WHISPERS: Knights poach young gun centre from Panthers amid succession plan
MCKINNON: Big Latrell move Souths must make; call that will shape new-look Raiders
WHO SAYS NO?:Shock swap deal floated after Roosters confirm rugby star’s arrival
TRANSFER CENTRE: Manly star’s mega eight-year deal; Warriors sign Capewell
“I could not be more impressed with Benji, the coaching structure he has put together and the way the players have responded to Benji over the last month.
“It’s incredible to watch and I’ve spoken to a number of them and they have responded to him in a great way.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“How will season 2024 be judged? Not on wins and losses but on effort and that’s all we want to see.
“Benji has instilled a benchmark for the players and it’s all about giving effort.
“I’m sure we will win more games than we lose (and) Benji will be wonderful for the players and the club.”
The Rabbitohs, Eels and Cowboys all won as many games as they lost last season (12), so if the Tigers can win more than they lose they could break the longest finals drought in the NRL stretching back to 2011.
“But that would mean winning nine or even 10 more gamers than they did last year to do so.
Discussion about this post