Moses Mbye reveals ‘infectious’ new side to Michael Maguire

“Michael Maguire” and “laid-back” usually don’t feature in the same sentence. Ruthless? Yes. Fanatical? Yes. Uncompromising? Definitely. But Moses Mbye says the coach is mellower than what people may realise.

Michael Maguire has been praised by Tigers captain Moses Mbye. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

• NRL TRIALS: Eels roll out big guns

• BIG TIME: Baby Broncos are monsters

“Michael Maguire” and “laid-back” usually don’t feature in the same sentence.

Ruthless? Yes. Fanatical? Yes. Uncompromising? Definitely.

But new Wests Tigers skipper Moses Mbye says the coach is mellower than what people may realise.

Mbye believes Maguire’s approach to the game is sometimes misconstrued as uncompromising and stern.

“Madge can be that laid-back guy, he often is but also has that ability to switch on and keeps you on his toes,” he said.

Michael Maguire has been praised by Tigers captain Moses Mbye. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

“He’s a really passionate man. That’s how you can sum him up. He’s passionate and he really loves the game. He deadset loves it.

“When he walks into an organisation with that, that’s infectious. You feel like you’re letting someone down if you’re not loving it as much as he is.”

The fullback says that while his side’s spine puzzle remains unsolved, Maguire has enlisted the help of specialised coaches to assist in key positions over the off-season.

Former Tigers premiership winner Pat Richards has joined the coaching staff this year to help with the outside backs.

“With the team that Madge has surrounded himself with, we have some quality assistant coaches with specialised roles which helps. He is putting a lot of time and effort into players in key positions,” he said.

Mbye spoke of Maguire’s ‘infectious’ attitude towards the game. Picture: Brett Costello

One of those players is five-eighth Josh Reynolds.

Reynolds, who hasn’t played a game since July last year due to shoulder and hamstring injuries, says he has been “tweaking” his game under the guidance of Maguire and his ball playing has improved as a result.

“I feel under Madge I’m turning into a lot more of a ballplayer than I’ve ever been because I’m having an emphasis on creating space for someone else rather than myself,” he said.

Josh Reynolds says he’s developed his game in his short time under Maguire. Picture: Brett Costello

“That’s not me being selfish but when I used to play, if I see a hole I go for it.

“But now it’s more about opening up that hole for someone else scoring off the back off that. Madge has been happy with how I have been doing that.”

Mbye has returned to full training after suffering a minor setback two weeks ago. He tore the PCL in his right knee but has made a quick recovery.

Former Tiger Pat Richards has returned to the club in a coaching role. Picture: Mark Evans

He isn’t the only casualty of some pre-season friendly fire.

On Tuesday, halfback Luke Brooks emerged bloodied from a tackle at training after copping a whack to his nose.

“He just got a stud [to his face]. He can breathe fine, he’s getting a couple stitches. But I think his modelling career is done though,” Mbye joked.

Every game of every round of the NRL Telstra Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. SIGN UP NOW!

Originally published as Moses Mbye reveals ‘infectious’ new side to Michael Maguire