Benji Marshall's put into perspective his approach on being an NRL head coach.
Currently at the bottom of the ladder having only won four games, the headlines across the ditch have been far from positive - some even questioning his loyalty and integrity towards the job.
Speaking to 1News at Eden Park ahead of the Tigers' clash with the Warriors at Go Media Stadium tomorrow night, Marshall reflected on life as a coach in his first year in the top job and the heat that comes with it.
"Everyone thinks that results play a part in the way I live my life or the way I do things, but it's not actually about me," he said.
"I do this job because I love coaching these boys and I feel like I can teach them things on and off the field, not only being better players but being better people.
"If you create a good environment the results don't impact the way you live your life or the way you do things."
Marshall has faced a fair amount of criticism this year, whether it be questions around team culture, player movements and his commitment to the job.
"Stress is one thing, but stress doing the job you love is nothing. I have friends and family struggling to pay their mortgage and their rent, that's stress," Marshall said.
"I get to do what I love for a living and I'm enjoying that. Whether you win or lose - of course you'd love to win - but if you're losing you've still got to have a purpose and passion doing what you do."
Marshall returns to New Zealand with the Wests Tigers in the midst of trying to rebuild the struggling side.
Many of his players are still in the teens, with their halves pairing Lachlan Galvin and latu Finau both born in 2005 - the same year Marshall led the Tigers to a premiership.
"If they're good enough they're old enough, one of the things being a coach is you don't want to throw someone in there before they're ready, for me these guys have shown enough in the pre-season," Marshall said.
Questions also surround John Bateman, who's been given a release for the end of the year to go to the Super League but is expected to return next season.
Damaging prop Stefano Utoikamanu has been targeted by the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs.
"Stefano, we're still waiting for him to make a decision," Marshall said.
Either way Utoikamanu will be playing against the Warriors as both clubs look to avoid the wooden spoon.
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