Michael Maguire is adamant that he is still the man to deliver sustained success to Wests Tigers despite renewed speculation about his future.
The Tigers sit just one win ahead of the last-placed Bulldogs after their ninth and biggest loss of the season, a 44-18 loss to South Sydney. Given it is a bye week and the halfway point of the competition has been reached, the club’s hierarchy will review the performance of the entire organisation, including that of Maguire.
It has raised fresh questions over Maguire’s tenure as the Tigers face the prospect of missing out on the finals for an 11th straight season. However, the coach believes the club is in the best position since he arrived at Concord to turn things around and has given no thought to walking away from the challenge.
“I’m looking forward to coaching in a week’s time,” Maguire told the Herald.
“It’s part of the game if you’re a coach in the position we are in. I’m just focused on improving every player as they come into Wests Tigers. If we can do that, everything that’s been talked about will be resolved.
The Tigers have finished ninth, 11th, 13th since Maguire arrived and now sit in 15th spot. However, Maguire believes the personnel now in the football department, the return of injured players, a more balanced salary cap position and the addition of Apisai Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i at the end of this year points to a brighter future, one that he wants to be a part of.
“I can’t put a timeline on it but I know the foundations of what is being built to become a successful organisation is coming together very quickly,” he said.
“That’s from juniors and building the depths of squads. We’ve had a period of injuries where we’ve had nearly 12 first graders on the sidelines this season. You have one or different results through the ability of getting those players out on the field at times, that is the difference. What I’m pleased about is the players have worked hard to negate whatever is thrown at them in those circumstances.”
“You’d like to think in four or five years’ time when people are looking back at where Wests Tigers are now and all the pain we’ve been through, this is the reason they are [now successful],” he said.
“With the people we have at the club, we understand what is required to be successful.
“If you look at that in relation to Penrith, they have got their foundations set in the right space with the juniors coming through.
“You look at their reserve grade team; ideally down the track you have a successful reserve grade team and you also want reserve grade, Jersey Flegg and SG Ball all being successful. At some stage you may have to let someone go because you’ve got so many kids coming through, but that’s just the balance of the salary cap.
“You watch Penrith and Melbourne, who have been at the top for quite some time - they are able to balance that. Some players end up leaving and that’s the reality of what happens when you bring success.
“You need the players coming through to have sustained success and I believe we have got that with our juniors now.”
One of the knocks on the Tigers during the Maguire era has been a supposed inability to recruit marquee players. However, the salary cap situation the premiership-winning coach inherited was such that only now has the chance to chase big names opened up.
“We’ve got Api Koroisau and Isiaiah Papali’i [coming],” he said.
“I have spoken to a number of players over time and they view the club in a positive light. We’ve also then got to make sure we’re properly balancing the salary cap at the same time. We need to get that right to put all the other things in place right.
“It’s not just about short-term success, it’s the long-term success of the organisation. It’s not just about chasing the quick win because you can rise and fall quickly, as we know.
“To be able to put foundations in place to build long-term success like the clubs sitting at the top of the ladder, there has been a lot of work put in to get the right timings with salary cap, the playing group coming through and the finances of the club.
“We have a lot more funding going into the junior teams now and our next step is to get further into the schools. That takes manpower and the club is in a position to do that at a high level now.”
Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal are expected back from injury following the bye, while David Nofoaluma will also be available for selection following concussion and discipline issues. The club’s centre of excellence will also be completed next month, another reason Maguire has confidence that an unlikely finals charge remains possible.
“If we get a run, which is what we’re aiming to do, then of course you can,” he said.
“We have gone through a fair bit to get to where we are now. We obviously want results on the ladder, but I also know there’s a lot put in place to bring [sustained] success.
“I’ve seen that play out with the juniors coming though and a couple of quality players I know I have.
“It’s something you always want to be a part of.”
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Michael Maguire's career at the Wests Tigers is in serious jeopardy, with the club reportedly set to hold a board meeting regarding his future this week.
After a lean few seasons, club officials have grown tired of the Tigers' on-field woes, with the side sitting in 15th spot on the NRL ladder.
Maguire's tenure has seen the Tigers slide down the ladder, with their second-half capitulation against South Sydney in Round 12 putting pressure back onto the coach.
Speaking on 100% Footy, senior reporter Michael Chammas revealed discussions between Tim Sheens, the coaching staff and the club board will occur during the State of Origin bye round.
“We reported yesterday in The Sydney Morning Herald, having spoken to Tim Sheens, the club was going to undertake a mid-season review," he said.
"Most sides do at this time of the year – they were going to focus on a few different areas. Given they are three from 12 to start the year, there would be a lot of talk about the coach.
"Tim Sheens was quoted yesterday saying that at some point in the next couple of weeks, he is going to make a recommendation to the board about the direction the board heads in.
"There is a meeting on Friday, Tim sheens and the coaching staff. There is a lot of talk Michael Maguire may have coached his last game – I’m not sure which way the Tigers will go."
Wests compiled back-to-back wins earlier in the year over competition heavyweights Parramatta and Souths, but have failed to continue on that momentum heading into the Origin period.
News Corp reporter Phil Rothfield said on NRL 360 on Monday night that he believed Maguire has coached his last game.
“I think there’s a split board - some want him to move on now, some want to give him a bit more time," he said.
"I think those wanting to get rid of Madge will win, I think they have done it very cleverly.
"I think he has probably coached his last game."
Brett Kimmorley and Ben Gardiner are the likely replacement candidates should the club part ways with Maguire mid-season, while names like Cameron Ciraldo and Paul Green will factor in for a long-term position.
But as for the future of Maguire, Phil Gould was quick to shut down a potential move to Belmore for the 2014 premiership-winner.
“I’ve had no applications for the Bulldogs job," he said.
"I’ve had no enquiries, nor have I spoken to anyone about it, nor am I in a hurry to speak to anyone about it.
"I can’t answer your question."
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
And the circus just rolls on.
As everyone knows i'm not a fan of Madge, but if they're going to sack him they should have the decency to do it now, not drag this on for another week or two. This has been really poorly managed again.
Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has insisted that his club will not be making any immediate decisions on the future of under-pressure coach Michael Maguire.
Following the Tigers' 44-18 thrashing at the hands of the South Sydney, the club confirmed that Tim Sheens would conduct a review of the first half of the season, with the football boss set to relay his findings to the board at an upcoming meeting.
The Tigers have won just one match in their past five which prompted the club to launch a review during the State of Origin and bye round period.
Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding Maguire’s future, Hagipantelis was adamant that no decision would be made on the coach until the internal review had concluded.
“As of today, 31st of May 2022, Michael Maguire is the contracted coach of the Wests Tigers,” Hagipantelis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“There is nothing before me to indicate that that is going to change.
“Will I guarantee anyone’s employment (following the review)?
“Whether that be the head coach, the head of commercial or the CEO’s role?
“No; I will not give that guarantee.
“At the moment, we are somewhat disappointed where we sit on the table.
“Do we need to make some changes? I suspect we do.
“We’ll just leave it to the great man (Sheens) to come back and report to us.
“We’ll see what he comes back with.”
The Tigers had a poor start to the season in which they went winless after the opening five rounds for the first time in the club’s history. The team had appeared to turn the corner and ease the pressure off Maguire following consecutive one-point wins over Easter against the Bunnies and the Parramatta Eels.
Hagipantelis insisted that the review was looking at all aspects of the club and not just the position of head coach.
“We put a lot of stock in Tim Sheens and that’s why we brought him back to the club; for this role,” Hagipantelis added.
“He’s just found an opportune time at the middle of the year where there is a two-week hiatus where he can just do a little health check.
“Just to have a look at where we are sitting and why we are three from 12.
“What do we need to do to improve and what changes may or may not need to be made.
“From the board’s perspective, it’s business as usual.
“Tim will come back to the board at the appropriate time with some recommendations.
“He’ll let us know what, if anything, needs to be done to get this club back on track.”
The Tigers have the bye in Round 13 before hosting the Manly Sea Eagles on June 12.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
So, based on Lee’s comments - Sheens could recommend Pascoe goes???
What a circus (nice description Steve).
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
I cannot for the life of me understand the logic of people even contemplating this guy as our Coach…
His a cheat full stop, he got caught and should of had a red line put through his name never to Coach again.
I mean what type of person goes to the length to win a game that he gets the staff etc involved and injects players with performance enhancing substances.
Flanagen’s obviously not a competent coach hence the need to cheat in the first place and defiantly not someone you would trust to be involved in a business sense.
Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has insisted that his club will not be making any immediate decisions on the future of under-pressure coach Michael Maguire.
Following the Tigers' 44-18 thrashing at the hands of the South Sydney, the club confirmed that Tim Sheens would conduct a review of the first half of the season, with the football boss set to relay his findings to the board at an upcoming meeting.
The Tigers have won just one match in their past five which prompted the club to launch a review during the State of Origin and bye round period.
Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding Maguire’s future, Hagipantelis was adamant that no decision would be made on the coach until the internal review had concluded.
“As of today, 31st of May 2022, Michael Maguire is the contracted coach of the Wests Tigers,” Hagipantelis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“There is nothing before me to indicate that that is going to change.
“Will I guarantee anyone’s employment (following the review)?
“Whether that be the head coach, the head of commercial or the CEO’s role?
“No; I will not give that guarantee.
“At the moment, we are somewhat disappointed where we sit on the table.
“Do we need to make some changes? I suspect we do.
“We’ll just leave it to the great man (Sheens) to come back and report to us.
“We’ll see what he comes back with.”
The Tigers had a poor start to the season in which they went winless after the opening five rounds for the first time in the club’s history. The team had appeared to turn the corner and ease the pressure off Maguire following consecutive one-point wins over Easter against the Bunnies and the Parramatta Eels.
Hagipantelis insisted that the review was looking at all aspects of the club and not just the position of head coach.
“We put a lot of stock in Tim Sheens and that’s why we brought him back to the club; for this role,” Hagipantelis added.
“He’s just found an opportune time at the middle of the year where there is a two-week hiatus where he can just do a little health check.
“Just to have a look at where we are sitting and why we are three from 12.
“What do we need to do to improve and what changes may or may not need to be made.
“From the board’s perspective, it’s business as usual.
“Tim will come back to the board at the appropriate time with some recommendations.
“He’ll let us know what, if anything, needs to be done to get this club back on track.”
The Tigers have the bye in Round 13 before hosting the Manly Sea Eagles on June 12.
So the board is fine ...business as usual ...but everything else is the problem ....can someone please tell Lee to remove his own head from his own ass
@unhappy-tiger giving the major sponsor the chairman position is one of the dumbest things i've seen in professional sports.
@unhappy-tiger giving the major sponsor the chairman position is one of the dumbest things i've seen in professional sports.
Completely agree. Our governance is a major issue.
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
So, based on Lee’s comments - Sheens could recommend Pascoe goes???
What a circus (nice description Steve).
What about someone reviews Lee’s performance. How about wests Ashfield review the wests tigers board? Lee needs to shut up and go back to chasing ambulances.
So there’s a review demanded but it’s business as usual hey? What a load of crap.
Corporate governance of our beloved club is hopeless.
Drscribing Sheens as ‘the great man’ in the context of the conversation is flippant and inappropriate. It’s light hearted language when discussing the potential sacking of one or more employees. This fool is out of touch and is embarrassing.
So, based on Lee’s comments - Sheens could recommend Pascoe goes???
What a circus (nice description Steve).
What about someone reviews Lee’s performance. How about wests Ashfield review the wests tigers board? Lee needs to shut up and go back to chasing ambulances.
So there’s a review demanded but it’s business as usual hey? What a load of crap.
Corporate governance of our beloved club is hopeless.
Drscribing Sheens as ‘the great man’ in the context of the conversation is flippant and inappropriate. It’s light hearted language when discussing the potential sacking of one or more employees. This fool is out of touch and is embarrassing.
Spot on
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
No we shouldn't.
The only reason I can see that we might consider moving Maguire on is if there is someone who can address WT's biggest issue: attracting quality players at a reasonable price. Even the great Ivan Cleary couldn't do that, he had to pay Mbye 900k and Reynolds 750k to get them here.
Morris was moved on because he couldn't attract players. Flanagan has a terrible reputation apart from some sections of the media. Barrett seemed to attract players but is a terrible coach.
Who knows with Ciraldo, no one would have heard of him if it wasn't for the media pumping his tyres.
There is no better coach than Madge on the market in terms of coaching a team on game day. Give him some salary cap to work with and see how he goes. IMO sacking Maguire means more years of pain.
So, based on Lee’s comments - Sheens could recommend Pascoe goes???
What a circus (nice description Steve).
What about someone reviews Lee’s performance. How about wests Ashfield review the wests tigers board? Lee needs to shut up and go back to chasing ambulances.
So there’s a review demanded but it’s business as usual hey? What a load of crap.
Corporate governance of our beloved club is hopeless.
Drscribing Sheens as ‘the great man’ in the context of the conversation is flippant and inappropriate. It’s light hearted language when discussing the potential sacking of one or more employees. This fool is out of touch and is embarrassing.
Couldn't agree more with this.
As a result of Sheen's comments yesterday and Lee's comments today we have created a whole new period of instability and uncertainty not only for Maguire but for players, coaches, members and sponsors.
We have left ourselves open to ridicule in the media, which we fully deserve, and it will be open season on the Tigers for the next few weeks from the usual suspects. The headlines practically write themselves.
How do you think our current playing squad is feeling right now, not to mention potential signings for next year. Are we really creating the best environment for them to succeed and flourish by talking up some mythical review which may or may not lead to the sacking of the coach six months after our last review concluded that we shouldn't sack him. For the love of God would someone just make a decision either way.
Who in their right mind would want to be associated with this rabble in any way, shape or form.
And the circus just rolls on.
As everyone knows i'm not a fan of Madge, but if they're going to sack him they should have the decency to do it now, not drag this on for another week or two. This has been really poorly managed again.
But that’s the Wests Tigers way. Management are a major issue at the club, and many of them should go before Madge.
