Richardson eyes Tigers’ progress ahead of ‘SpoonBowl’ clash with Eels

Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson said his attention is not on whether the club can avoid their third straight wooden spoon when they host the Parramatta Eels in Campbelltown in Round 27.

The Tigers looked destined to once again finish in last place on the ladder but back-to-back wins against the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles has set up a final round showdown against the Eels in what has affectionately been dubbed ‘SpoonBowl.’

Richardson said the Round 26 bye was an excellent chance for the players and coaches to freshen up before their final game of the 2024 season.

“We’ve got a fair few injuries and niggles,” Richardson told SEN 1170.

“A week off will be good for us before we play in that huge clash against Parramatta.

“It will be a sell-out at Campbelltown which will be the third time that has happened this year.

“Fans always think about (the wooden spoon) and I have lived with that during my time at Penrith and also Souths.

“I don’t like to look into that sort of stuff because for us, it’s all about improving each week which I think we have done.

“If we can get another win to end the season, it will put us in a good spot for next year.

“The fans and the players can think about it but I’ve won just as many wooden spoons as I have won premierships.”

With the 2024 home and away season drawing to a close, so too is the debut coaching season of Tigers legend and NRL Hall of Fame member Benji Marshall.

Richardson admits it’s been a tough season for the first-time coach but believes the 2005 Premiership winner has what it takes to be a successful coach at the Tigers.

“He’s open to suggestions and he’s open to learning,” Richardson added.

“He wants to get better at

what he’s doing. He has a thirst for knowledge and he doesn’t think he knows everything which is a great start.

“Benji has been very diligent and excellent with the young kids and giving them a start.

“He’s learnt a lot this season about what being a coach is like. You learn a lot more from losing than winning.

“He’s had his losing season this year so let’s hope he’s learnt a lot so that he can become a winner.”

The Tigers have the bye this weekend before playing the Eels on September 6.