Kiwis coach set to take up Tigers job
Wests Tigers have come to terms with New Zealand Kiwis coach Michael Maguire on a three-year, A$2.5 million (NZ$2.7m) deal that will come into effect once the NRL club resolves its standoff with Ivan Cleary.
Maguire, who previously had been linked to Manly and had the New Zealand Rugby League’s blessing to pursue a return to NRL coaching, is expected to start his new role after returning from the Kiwis’ England tour in November.
Maguire, hot off a win over the Kangaroos, had made it clear that any move back to the NRL would not compromise his role with the Kiwis, believing he could handle both positions.
He has a clause to that effect in his contract.
The Tigers were inundated with expressions of interest once it emerged Cleary was eyeing a return to the foot of the mountains, but only Maguire and Wayne Bennett were considered.
Bennett is poised to join South Sydney in a coach swap for Anthony Seibold, paving the way for Maguire to join the joint-venture outfit.
Tigers officials believe Maguire is a better long-term proposition than Bennett, who wouldn’t have been considered for a deal any longer than two seasons.
Given the constant changing of clipboard holders at the club – Cleary will be the latest to move on in quick succession following the departures of Jason Taylor, Mick Potter and Tim Sheens – the Tigers hierarchy was keen to lock in a bigname coach for an extended period to provide stability.
Maguire’s first preference was the Brisbane job that will be vacated by Bennett at the end of 2019 and he was one of four candidates interviewed for the position. However, the plum role will go to South Sydney coach Anthony Seibold in what is likely to be a straight swap with Bennett.
Maguire and Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe thrashed out most of the details of the deal when the pair recently met in New Zealand before their respective overseas commitments.
They have been in regular dialogue since and the parties have agreed to terms, although it’s understood a contract is yet to be officially signed.
The next step for the Tigers hierarchy is to bring the Cleary situation to a head before the first group of players are due to return to preseason training from November 7.
Cleary is contracted to the jointventure outfit for the next two seasons, but has agreed to return to the foot of the mountains from 2021-2023.
That move makes it almost untenable to remain at Concord, although it’s understood Cleary hasn’t as yet asked for an early release.
Cleary has made no secret of his desire to reunite with his son, Panthers halfback Nathan, and will get the chance to do so immediately if the parties can come to an arrangement.
Although he has been out of the NRL coaching caper for a year, Maguire’s stocks are on the rise. The premiership-winning coach is overseeing the New Zealand team that upset Australia a fortnight ago and is looking to add another big international scalp when the Kiwis take on England this weekend.
Ironically Maguire will lock horns with Bennett, who is in charge of the England team, in three tests before they start their new club roles.