In a stunning turn of events, the Wests Tigers have confirmed Michael Maguire will coach the team in 2022.
It follows a farcical period where it appeared he would be axed on Monday night, despite having two years remaining on his contract.
The club conducted an end-of-season review, after a disappointing 2021 that saw the Tigers finish in 13th spot with just eight wins from 24 matches, the 10th straight year they’ve missed the finals.
Speculation around Maguire’s future reached fever pitch after a horror 38-0 loss to last-placed Canterbury in Round 25.
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“While we always understood this review and process would take time, it was the responsibility of the football committee to ensure all information was considered to make the right decisions for the club moving forward,” said Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe in a statement on Tuesday.
“Michael has been with the club over arguably its most challenging time with the COVID-19 pandemic, has overseen significant change both on and off the field throughout his tenure and, on behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to thank him for his effort so far.
Maguire, who won a premiership with South Sydney in 2014, joined the Tigers at the start of the 2019 season. In his three seasons in charge, he’s won 26 of 68 matches.
Despite the mediocre returns of his first two seasons, in late 2020 Maguire’s contract was extended through to the end of the 2023 season.
The Tigers have also made a number of structural and procedural changes within the football department, in an effort to improve results, although the statement did not go into specifics.
“We are firmly committed to building a high performing club,” Pascoe said.
“With our strong financial position, increased investment and recent success of our pathways teams, the new Centre of Excellence and continued work on a South West academy, the arrival of Tim Sheens and his experience in NRL systems, this club is poised to reap the rewards of several years of hard work.
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“We believe that through Michael’s vast experience and by continuing to challenge the way we operate, we will continue to drive the high standards and behaviours needed to ensure we achieve our goals as a club.”
Writing in his regular Wide World of Sports column earlier this month, NRL great Paul Gallen said the club had nothing to gain by axing Maguire.
“There is no quick fix for what the club is currently going through,” Gallen wrote.
“I’m a big fan of Michael Maguire, I love his intensity as a coach. He’s the type of coach I’d love to play for. He’s won a premiership.
That’s why I don’t think changing the coach will make a difference. All it does is make 2022 a write-off. The club would be better off backing Maguire and letting him build something.”
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