Benji Marshall blasts Wests Tigers as 'soft' after heavy loss to Sharks as Luai prepares for PNG move

Key facts

• Benji Marshall publicly called his Wests Tigers players 'soft' after a Round 9 loss to the Cronulla Sharks.
• Jarome Luai officially signed with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs as inaugural Player #001.
• Terrell and Taylan May extended their contracts with Wests Tigers until 2030.
• Adam Doueihi suffered a shoulder injury while scoring a try, likely ending his State of Origin aspirations.
• The Sharks defeated the Wests Tigers 44-12 in Round 9, 2026.
• Craig Sandercock was named head coach of the PNG National Women's side.
• The MRC handed down final Round 9 charges after a Sunday triple-header.

Marshall's blistering critique after Sharks rout

Benji Marshall did not hold back after the Wests Tigers slumped to a 44-12 defeat against the Cronulla Sharks in Round 9, labelling his own players 'soft' in a fiery post-match press conference. 'Footy mistakes I can accept, but effort, no,' he said, drawing a clear line between errors of execution and a lack of commitment. The loss compounds a difficult season for the club, which has struggled for consistency.

Luai's bombshell departure to PNG Chiefs confirmed

Jarome Luai has officially signed with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs as the franchise's inaugural Player #001, a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL. The star playmaker answered the burning question about his tax-free status in PNG, though details of the contract remain under wraps. Rival clubs have been put on high alert following the announcement, which was accompanied by a high-powered statement after Luai was spotted in the country.

Mays commit long-term as club rebuilds

Amid the upheaval, Wests Tigers have secured the futures of Terrell and Taylan May, with both brothers extending their contracts until 2030. Marshall expressed his delight, stating, 'What's clear with both boys is they are 'all in' and committed to where we are heading as a club.' The deals signal a focus on retaining young talent even as the team navigates Luai's exit.

Doueihi's Origin dream likely over after shoulder injury

Adam Doueihi's hopes of representing New South Wales in State of Origin appear dashed after he injured his shoulder while scoring a try against the Sharks. The Tigers now face a double injury blow, with the playmaker's absence likely to stretch their depth further. The club's medical staff are assessing the severity, but early indications are grim.

Pathways and coaching developments

Off the field, the Western Suburbs Magpies claimed the Tommy Raudonikis Cup, while the Jersey Flegg Cup side continued their winning ways in Round 8. Craig Sandercock has been appointed head coach of the PNG National Women's side, adding an international dimension to the club's coaching network. Meanwhile, the MRC handed down final charges from the Round 9 triple-header, though no Tigers players were cited.

What comes next for the Tigers

With Luai's departure now official, the Tigers face a key signing decision in the coming days as they look to fill the void. The club's full squad for 2027 is already taking shape, with the May extensions forming a cornerstone. Marshall's public challenge to his players sets the tone for the remainder of the season: effort will not be negotiable.

The bottom line

• Benji Marshall's 'soft' label reflects a deep frustration with the team's effort, not just skill errors.
• Jarome Luai's move to the PNG Chiefs reshapes the NRL landscape and raises questions about player retention.
• The May brothers' long-term extensions provide stability amid the Luai upheaval.
• Adam Doueihi's shoulder injury likely ends his State of Origin hopes for 2026.
• The Wests Tigers face immediate roster decisions to compensate for Luai's exit.
• Craig Sandercock's appointment to PNG women's side highlights growing links between the Tigers and Papua New Guinea.