Origins of Benji Marshall and Isaac Moses Rift Traced to Ex-Tigers Stars
The roots of the tension between Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall and player agent Isaac Moses reportedly go back to the exits of former forwards John Bateman and David Klemmer — both no longer at the club.
Moses, who managed contract negotiations for both experienced NRL players, was reportedly unhappy with how they were forced out of the Tigers. A significant factor in Bateman’s departure was the perception that rookie five-eighth Lachlan Galvin was receiving special treatment from Marshall.
Although all parties initially denied any rift, sources confirm a heated exchange occurred between Marshall and Bateman at training. Bateman allegedly accused the coach of favouring younger players while sidelining veterans. Shortly after, the English forward left the club, eventually landing back in the NRL with North Queensland.
Insiders claim Marshall did indeed give Galvin more freedom to express himself on the field, a courtesy not extended to all players. Comparisons have even been drawn with Jarome Luai, who has appeared more restrained in his role at the Tigers compared to his free-flowing days at Penrith.
The Tigers have since received backing from several NRL clubs over their firm stance against Moses and Galvin, with many recognising a pattern in Moses’ handling of club affairs.
This isn’t the first instance of Moses asserting influence over a club. In 2020, he orchestrated Joseph Suaalii’s controversial switch from South Sydney to arch-rivals the Roosters after clashing with Rabbitohs officials over contract clauses. Suaalii has since left rugby league altogether, switching codes.
Moses also made headlines during Canberra’s 2019 finals campaign when Bateman, newly represented by Moses, brought up contract disputes — a move widely seen as a distraction during a crucial run to the grand final.
Now, the Tigers face another big decision regarding 19-year-old local talent Tallyn Da Silva. A highly regarded hooker, Da Silva played alongside Galvin in the 2022 Harold Matthews-winning Wests Magpies side and is viewed as a future NRL star.
While he’s contracted through 2026, interest is expected from clubs like Parramatta and North Queensland, the latter of which is set to lose Reece Robson to the Roosters at the end of the season.
The Tigers must also consider the future of co-captain Api Koroisau, whose deal also expires at the end of 2026. Despite being 33 by then, Koroisau’s current form and leadership suggest he could extend his career.
So far, Marshall has deployed a successful rotation between Koroisau and Da Silva in the opening rounds, contributing to the team’s balanced 3-3 start. The hope is that Da Silva, despite being close friends with Galvin, will remain loyal to the club and avoid the off-field drama that has plagued other contract situations.
