Tigers prosper despite Marshall scandal
Benji Marshall's late night assault charge has had little impact on Wests Tigers' corporate image with the joint venture enjoying the most profitable week of its short NRL history.
The Tigers on Thursday unveiled a new sponsorship deal with car giant Hyundai - the partnership part of a $3 million influx into the club this week with additional backers to be revealed in coming days.
The show of support is a stunning endorsement for the club, with the Tigers' most recognisable figure in the headlines for all the wrong reasons earlier in the week.
Marshall was front and back page news after becoming involved in an alleged altercation just after 3am in Sydney's CBD on Saturday, with the New Zealand Test skipper charged with assault on Monday.
Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys revealed he briefed officials from Hyundai as well as other sponsors in the aftermath of the Marshall scandal.
"We've been having discussions with them (Hyundai) now for the best part of 18 months and in terms of the events that happened over the weekend, they were the subject of some discussions with them of course," Humphreys said.
"They were satisfied with our report into the incident.
"It's a very good sign."
With another back of jersey and shorts sponsor to be announced shortly, Humphreys admitted fearing a potential battering to the club's brand as a result of the publicity generated by Marshall.
"You wouldn't be human if you didn't think that but very quickly my mind turned to keeping perspective on that," Humphreys said.
"I've really been pleased that as I've been speaking with current sponsors and prospective sponsors they've also had the perspective.
"Things come along from time to time and I think what corporates are looking for is how you handle those and the frequency of them happening.
"In the fullness of time the court situation will play out and we're very confident of the outcome."
Meanwhile, Marshall's Tigersteammate Lote Tuqiri said it was business as usual for the side as they prepared for Monday night's meeting against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium.
"Nothing's really changed, no-one's missed a beat," Tuqiri said of the impact the Marshall incident has had on the side.
"It's probably brought us a bit closer.
"I think we've got a pretty tight group here and everybody was feeling for Benji, but what's done is done.
"His lawyers and the courts will deal with that when the time comes and we'll support him."
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