Maguire turns down Manly
Embattled NRL club Manly has confirmed Michael Maguire has knocked back an offer to take over from Trent Barrett as Sea Eagles coach next year.
Manly still hope to name a new mentor soon, insisting they are still in talks with a ‘‘number of outstanding candidates’’.
It is believed Maguire was offered a lucrative three-year deal to take over from Barrett, who handed in his resignation mid-season and must remain at the club until July, 2019, under his contract.
However, South Sydney premiership-winning coach Maguire knocked back the deal after weeks of negotiations reportedly due to concerns over Manly’s facilities.
‘‘The club is in ongoing discussions with a number of outstanding candidates to ensure the highest level of professional coaching for its playing group in response to Trent Barrett’s resignation,’’ a Manly statement said.
‘‘These discussions remain ongoing and as advised on Wednesday, the club expects to confirm the outcomes of them [at members night] in the near future.
‘‘As a part of this process, it became clear yesterday that the club could not meet the proposed terms of one of these potential candidates, Michael Maguire, and negotiations came to an end.
‘‘The club remains in discussions with several experienced and highly qualified candidates with a view to making this key appointment a priority.’’
Manly assistant John Cartwright is considered favourite to take over from Barrett.
New Zealand national coach Maguire reportedly told Manly chairman Scott Penn of his decision before leaving for Auckland to prepare for their October 13 test against the Kangaroos.
‘‘I’d prefer not to go into the reasons why. I haven’t spoken to anyone else,’’ Maguire told News Corp Australia.
Maguire’s decision is another blow for the Sea Eagles who finished 15th in 2018 with just seven wins after a season marred by off-field distractions as Barrett fell out with the club’s administration.
● Captain Sam Burgess will miss England’s upcoming tests in the UK after being booked in for shoulder and wrist surgery.
Burgess’ NRL club South Sydney confirmed the forward would undergo surgery ‘‘in the coming weeks’’.
Coach Wayne Bennett had just days ago named Burgess as captain of his 24-strong England squad for tests against France and New Zealand in October and November.
‘‘I’m gutted that I have had to withdraw from these matches as I love playing for my country and it is a great honour,’’ Burgess said.
‘‘The reality of the situation is that it’s imperative that I get these surgeries done, and with a view to the next three or four years I need to get them done now.
‘‘I’ll be watching on from Australia and cheering on England against France and New Zealand and I’m sure the team will do England proud.’’
Burgess’ brothers Tom and George will take their place in the England team which will play France on October 17 and start a three-test series against the Kiwis from October 27.
Burgess’ withdrawal is another blow for Bennett who is already without key players Gareth Widdop, Kallum Watkins, Ryan Hall, Ben Currie, Alex Walmsley and James Roby due to injury.