'Troubled waters' ahead for Benji as new era begins

There was massive optimism six months ago in Tiger-town - the team had a new coaching structure in Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall and two marquee signings in Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papali'i.But right from the start, things went pear-shaped. The Tigers lost their first seven games - including at least a couple they should have won - and their finals challenge was over before it ever began.Halfback Luke Brooks copped the brunt of the blame on the field and his confidence fell away, and the fact the Tigers' other main playmaker, Adam Doueihi, played just six games only made things worse.The arrival of recruitment guru Scott Fulton will help the club long term but his signing was handled abysmally by the administration, done without the knowledge of Sheens.That was the beginning of the end for the veteran coach and he walked away late in the season, pushed out by officials more interested in saving their own jobs than what is best for the club.That leaves Marshall, who has virtually no coaching experience, steering a young ship through what is certain to be troubled waters in 2024 - and figures in the club already gunning for his head.Despite the doom and gloom, there were positives. The Tigers didn't give up despite all the internal problems and were competitive in most games.Prop Stefano Utoikamanu continued to develop and was rewarded with a Blues Origin spot.Young fullback Jahream Bula was sensational in his debut season and will go close to winning the Rookie of the Year award.A host of other good young players were blooded and if the Tigers can retain them, in two or three years, they will have one hell of a side.