Michael Maguire’s fierce determination and proven premiership-winning capabilities make him the perfect replacement for Ivan Cleary at Wests Tigers, according to CEO Justin Pascoe.
Maguire was confirmed on Sunday as the NRL club’s new head coach on a three-year deal following about a month of negotiations between the two parties.
On tour with the Kiwis, Maguire spoke in his press release about his desire to continue building on Cleary’s foundation at the joint venture.
A premiership winner at South Sydney and Wigan, Maguire in 2012 turned a Rabbitohs squad that were perennial battlers into a finals force in his first year at the club.
The Tigers have a similar task ahead, finishing ninth last season but having the longest streak out of the finals of any club after seven barren years.
“He’s got passion for everything he does,” Pascoe told AAP.
“He’s got a fierce determination to win and he’s also got that ability to show individual care to players and understand the bigger picture of pathways development, talent identification and creating a club that can become a destination.
“And the importance of not only players but families, staff, members and everyone. That rings true to my philosophy and the board’s philosophies.”
Maguire and Wayne Bennett were the only two men really considered by the Tigers, who were desperate to deliver a coach with premiership credentials if they were to release Cleary.
Maguire will arrive in time for the main group’s return to pre-season on November 15 and won’t bring any of his own staff with him as the Tigers were clear they wanted to keep their football department intact.
“We’ve focused with absolute commitment and energy to that point in making sure the club came out favourably,” Pascoe said.
“That’s our sole responsibility and sole focus.
“We believe we have. Michael Maguire is a fantastic coach and has got what we’ve been really looking for which is premiership experience and a fierce desire to win.”
With a winning record of 61 per cent across the NRL and ESL, Maguire will stay on as Kiwis coach while making his ambitions clear at the Tigers.
“I plan on building on the strong foundation that has been put in place and work closely with the players’ leadership group to build a stronger organisation on and off the field,” Maguire said.
“The biggest appeal in taking on this role is being able to work with the leadership that has been built on and off the field at Wests Tigers.
“I want this club to be viewed as a long-term successful club that everyone wants to be a part of and this will involve staff, players, families, members and supporters.”
MICHAEL MAGUIRE’S NRL COACHING RECORD
SOUTH SYDNEY (2012-2017)
Matches: 153
Win rate: 55.6 per cent
Finals series: 4
Grand finals 1 (2014)
Premierships: 1 (2014)
