Marshall backs Tigers' rebuild path, despite spoon

But Marshall is adamant the Tigers' turnaround remains on track, despite the club finishing last in his first full season at the helm.

The Tigers debuted 12 players in 2024 and were forced to use 38 in total, including six members of Western Suburbs premiership-winning under-17s side from 2022.

The Tigers also won more games than they did in any of the past two seasons, but ultimately still finished last with the worst defensive record in the competition.

There are positive signs ahead, with Jarome Luai to join next year and partner young gun Lachlan Galvin in the halves.

Sunia Turuva, Royce Hunt and Jack Bird will also arrive, with Corey Horsburgh expected to join them.

Marshall is aware time is rarely on a coach's side in the NRL, but said he would not be pushed away from his plan.

"It doesn't worry me, because I'm not coaching to keep my job," Marshall said. 

"I'm coaching to try and make this club better and make these kids better. I honestly believe I can do that. 

"If that's me for the next two years and we don't get the rewards, and I'm not here, and someone else does (so be it). That's how much I care about the club.

"Time might not be on my side, but I am still going to encourage them to try and win next year." 

Jarome Luai is on the way next season from the Panthers. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Marshall also insisted he remained confident the path the Tigers were on was the correct one, and his move towards youth this year would bear fruit.

"I just believe in where we're going and the talent we've got. I believe in the leaders we've got and the way we're recruiting," he said. 

"There were enough signs this season. And we've backed it, we backed our plan.

"The results didn't come, but everyone has mentioned they can see where we're heading. Everything is positive for us."

Galvin leads the group of talented young Tigers halves, but will have less pressure next year with Luai alongside him.

Fellow playmaker Latu Fainu has also shown promise, while Heath Mason, Luke Laulilii, Fonua Pole, Tallyn da Silva and Samuela Fainu have impressed.

Marshall admitted he almost felt sorry for Galvin with the responsibility he had shouldered this season, but believed he would benefit in the long run.

"There would no other education like the one he is getting now, anywhere else," Marshall said. 

"There is a lot he can still learn and grow from.

"But we're bringing a guy (Luai) who is a winner and can control a footy team, like he has at Penrith this whole season. That is only going to help Lachy."