Podcast: BTR Episode 42 with John Morris

Author: Wests Tigers
Timestamp: Thu 14 Mar 2024, 08:29 PM

Wests Tigers assistant coach John Morris is our guest on the first episode of Behind The Roar for the 2024 season.

We also welcome to our new sponsor of Wests Tigers official podcast, Pro Wrestling Australia.

BTR is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

Morris covers plenty of ground on this episode of BTR, talking about the rigours of pre-season, about what is needed this weekend in Canberra, and giving specific detail about his role as defensive coach.

Morris also talks glowingly about his ‘boss’ Benji, and how well he has brought the crew together. Specifically, telling BTR how Marshall has empowered his assistant coaches with very clearly defined roles.

Morris, who played exactly 300 NRL games over 14 seasons, has plenty to offer Wests Tigers and is a much-valued member of Benji Marshall’s coaching staff.

Like fellow assistants Robbie Farah and Chris Heighington, Morris brings plenty football knowledge and WT DNA to the coaches’ box on gameday. Between the four of them, they’ve played 1,261 NRL games.

“Thinking back to my time as a player at this club, I couldn’t think of three players who better represent the values of what this club is about,” Morris said.

We trained bloody hard, we were passionate about the club, we were winners, and those values don’t change.
John Morris Wests Tigers Assistant Coach

“We know what that feels like and looks like and that’s why we’re so passionate to work together to get this club back to where we should be.”

He says Benji has been very clear with what he wants this team to look like.

“The standards he’s set from day one, he’s all about team first, first and foremost, and working really hard on developing the boys' mindset and mental resilience after a couple of very difficult years," said Morris.

“He’s experienced everything in the game and the respect he’s got within the club and coaching group, is second to none.

"When he speaks, they listen.