Rabbitohs sack Maguire
SOUTH Sydney owner Russell Crowe last night paid tribute to Michael Maguire for bringing the Rabbitohs “out of the 43-year wilderness” just hours after he was axed as Rabbitohs head coach.
The Rabbitohs sensationally sacked coach Maguire, just three years after he led the club to a grand final triumph.
Anthony Seibold, the man who helped engineer Queensland’s remarkable State of Origin victory this year, has become the leading contender to coach South Sydney.
Crowe, who embraced Maguire on the ANZ Stadium turf when they ended their 43-year premiership drought in 2014, spoke glowingly of the 43year-old last night.
“Michael has given South Sydney six dedicated years, he brought us a premiership, brought us out of the 43-year wilderness,” Crowe said.
Less than 12 months after signing a three-year extension, Maguire fronted a Rabbitohs board meeting yesterday and was dumped, effective immediately, with two years remaining on his contract.
In a statement released last night, Souths claimed Maguire’s sacking was in the club’s “best interests”.
Maguire was genuinely shocked when told of his axing.
The senior playing group were also taken by surprise. They were not consulted and only found out after the decision had been made.
“It’s time for a change here at South Sydney,” Souths general manager of football Shane Richardson said.
It is understood the Gold Coast Titans and English club Warrington have expressed strong interest in Maguire, who had a successful stint with Wigan before taking the reins at Redfern.
Rookie coach Seibold, 42, is now favourite to succeed Maguire. It would be a gamble as head coach but he comes with a strong reputation.
Fellow Rabbitohs assistant and former Canberra coach David Furner is also in the frame.
“Michael helped deliver the premiership title in 2014 and for this we will always be indebted to him,” Richardson said.