The contract discussions with coach Tim Sheens are set to intensify in the upcoming weeks at Wests Tigers, as they strive to finalize an agreement that would see the league’s most seasoned coach remain at the club for a decade.
Chief executive Steve Humphreys of the Tigers has confirmed the initiation of talks with Sheens and expressed his intent to meet again with the 60-year-old in the next two weeks.
Sheens, who brought the team close to a grand final with just one victory this year, is among a number of coaches whose contracts will expire at the end of the next season. Others in this category include John Lang from South Sydney, Wayne Bennett, a seven-time premiership victor, and Matthew Elliott from Penrith.
“Tim and I have already had some dialogue,” stated Humphreys.
“Our aim has always been to elevate that dialogue to the next level after the completion of the Four Nations and after he enjoyed a brief respite.”
“We’re still aligned with that timing. We anticipate meeting within a fortnight. There appears to be mutual interest in reaching a resolution to provide clarity on the situation for 2011 and beyond.”
Having led the Tigers to the 2005 premiership, Sheens entered the last season under substantial pressure but demonstrated more than sufficient merit to earn an extension. His team was defeated by the eventual champions, St George Illawarra, in the preliminary final.
Come 2011, he will commence his ninth year as the Tigers’ coach, indicating that even a one-year extension would mark a decade at the organization. For some players, including captain Robbie Farah and star five-eighth Benji Marshall, Sheens has always been their coach.
The four-time premiership coach has overseen over 600 first-grade matches, securing grand final victories with both Canberra and the Tigers. Recently, there have been ongoing links tying him to South Sydney, whose owner Russell Crowe revealed on American television this week that they were searching for a coach to replace Lang in 2012.
Wayne Bennett, a seven-time premiership-winning coach, has been widely mentioned as a potential replacement, although Souths chief executive Shane Richardson has maintained that no discussions have occurred. Nevertheless, speculation continues that if a deal is not struck, a transition to Redfern is merely a matter of time.
Currently on vacation, Bennett is expected to return early next month and share his plans with Dragons officials during the off-season. Additionally, he has been connected with a possible comeback to the Brisbane Broncos or a move to the North Queensland Cowboys.
Apart from Bennett, Sheens stands out as the most successful coach entering the open market. When asked about rumors tying Sheens to Souths, Humphreys remarked, “That’s not a motivating factor for us.”
“Our primary focus is determining what is best for the Tigers and for Tim. Naturally, I have heard the rumors. Rugby league is rife with speculation.”
“That particular rumor has circulated for quite some time.”
