Taylor was sensationally sacked Monday following the club’s 46-6 loss to Canberra.

Marshall, who helped the club claim the 2005 premiership, said Ivan Cleary was the obvious choice for Wests new coach.

Cleary mentored the Warriors to the 2011 grand final before helping Penrith to the 2014 preliminary final.

He was sacked at the end of 2015.   

“I think whoever they bring in they need to bring leadership and direction for those guys,” Marshall told Fox Sports. “I think a guy like Ivan Cleary who has been there and has experience could do a good job for them.

“Whoever they employ next they will be looking for that and someone who knows the job. It’s sad for JT because he invested a lot there and he changed a few things and ran his own race there and unfortunately for him they have gone a different way. I think the timing’s a little bit weird and it’s only Round 3 but they have made a decision.”    

The Broncos utility said he felt for young halves Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks who have copped plenty for a lack of consistency at the top level.

“…From my point of view I think they (the club) lack a bit of leadership,” Marshall said. “There is a lot of expectation on young guys who have only played 80 or so games. I just think the criticism and expectation on guys like Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks is a bit unfair. I just hope they can find a few experienced heads that can take a bit of pressure off those guys."

Marshall sympathised with Taylor's axing after the coach made some momentous calls during his time including dropping former captain and NSW rake Robbie Farah to reserve grade. Farah has since signed with the Rabbitohs. 

"It’s a bit sad, man," Marshall said. "Obviously doing a whole pre-season with the club you probably want to get a bit of time with your team to prove your point. I thought they looked sharp in their first game. Obviously it’s gone a bit downhill from there but that’s just the nature of the business isn’t it? Every club demands success and he’s probably been under the most pressure for the last couple of years. 

“I’ve tried to distance myself emotionally from the club since I left because it was pretty hard to leave. I’m trying to invest all my energy in what I do here, but I still have a soft spot for people at the club and for the club obviously.”