Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall faced intense scrutiny over the club’s choice to let promising hooker Tallyn Da Silva leave in favour of keeping veteran captain Api Koroisau. As conversations regarding Da Silva’s future with rival clubs began this week, Marshall addressed the media, defending the decision. Both Koroisau and Da Silva are contracted until 2026, but the 20-year-old Da Silva is eager for consistent first-grade play rather than playing second fiddle to the 32-year-old Koroisau.
Marshall indicated that while there’s a push to renew Koroisau’s contract for an additional three years—despite some club members believing Da Silva has potential as a long-term first grader—it’s a calculated commitment to Koroisau, whom he described as the Tigers’ best performer in recent years. Marshall mentioned Koroisau’s impressive stamina and predicted he could maintain his performance level into his mid-thirties.
Despite the tough decision, Marshall affirmed there’s no animosity between the club and Da Silva, calling him a “really good kid” with a bright future. He acknowledged the sentiment around trying to retain all talent but reiterated the club’s current focus on Koroisau.
Allowing Da Silva to depart poses significant risk for the Tigers, especially as he follows another young talent, Lachlan Galvin, who also exited controversially this year. Tigers CEO Shane Richardson reportedly saw Da Silva as a future star and wanted to keep him, but Marshall’s preference for Koroisau led to the final decision.
Marshall refuted claims of a rift with Richardson stemming from the decision, insisting the club is aligned in executing their strategy. Meanwhile, Da Silva’s management recently met with several clubs, including the North Queensland Cowboys, Parramatta, and Manly, with Newcastle also showing interest.
As Da Silva prepares to play in the No.14 jersey against the Sea Eagles, the Tigers, on a five-match losing streak, are making tactical changes in their lineup, including moving Jarome Luai to No.6 and introducing Latu Fainu as the new starting halfback. Despite these shifts, Marshall emphasized that the alterations would not impact Luai’s style of play.
As both the Tigers and Sea Eagles grapple with off-field challenges, Marshall remains focused on finding a much-needed spark for the struggling Tigers as they aim to turn their fortunes around.