NRL 2016: Maguire says concern is for Grevsmuhl’s wellbeing and Inglis move was planned

RABBITOHS coach Michael Maguire hosed down talk of a rift with Chris Grevsmuhl, saying his only concern was for his wellbeing and that Inglis move was planned.

RABBITOHS coach Michael Maguire has hosed down talk of a rift with back-rower Chris Grevsmuhl, and said his only concern was for the player’s wellbeing.

Grevsmuhl walked out on the Rabbitohs this week in a shock mid-season move that will likely result in him joining Penrith.

While Maguire is unlikely to stand in the way of Grevsmuhl’s expected move west — much will depend on whether the Panthers agree to trade Robert Jennings — the coach said the pair had done a lot of work together off the field.

Maguire says he is working through his issues with Chris Grevsmuhl. Pic: Zak Simmonds

“I only care about Chris’s wellbeing, and we’re working through some issues at the moment,’’ Maguire told The Daily Telegraph. “I will say we’ve put a lot of work and time into Chris away from footy. We’re working to get him to the right place.’’

It’s been a big week in Redfern. Not only have the Rabbitohs lost Grevsmuhl, Maguire confirmed the shock positional switch of Greg Inglis to five-eighth for Friday night’s match against Parramatta at Pirtek Stadium.

The plan to shift Inglis into the South Sydney No. 6 jumper was hatched nearly a fortnight ago before Inglis entered Kangaroos camp.

Maguire is desperate to reignite Souths’ attack and hopes moving his superstar International Inglis closer to the ball will pay immediate dividends.

While the rugby league world will be willing the Eels players to a big win tomorrow night in the wake of the club’s salary cap breaches, Maguire and the Bunnies will have no problems being the Parramatta party poopers.

Maguire did speak excitedly about Inglis’ move to No. 6, which he stressed was not a band-aid solution.

While he is one of the world’s greatest and intimidating fullbacks, Inglis did win the Clive Churchill Medal playing at five-eighth for Melbourne.

Inglis has been doing the work of a forward at times.

Since Round 3 Souths have scored just 16 tries, with only Newcastle (14 tries) and St George Illawarra (11 tries) faring worse.

It’s a real concern given defending premiers North Queensland have crossed the paint 39 times during that same period.

“Greg and I are always discussing football and this was an idea we brought up together and felt it was a good opportunity to change our style and how we go about our play,’’ Maguire said.

“Greg has probably looked like a forward at times, but that’s definitely not the case, and only because he’s come in to try and help the attack.

“Playing him at five-eighth will help us move forward. It allows him to get closer to the action, and gets him closer on the sweeping players. Having that bigger body on the front line will also help defensively.

His shift to five-eighth was discussed a couple of weeks ago.

“We spoke about it before Kangaroos camp and he was open to it.

“Adam (Reynolds) will be the main director of the team, he’ll take control, and Greg can play off the back of that.’’

What the Inglis switch means for off-contract halves Luke Keary, who will play off the bench tomorrow night, and Cody Walker remains to be seen. Maguire knows they will get game time in the coming weeks when Inglis is called up for Origin duty.

Meanwhile, Maguire said there was no interest in Nathan Peats given the club was already well-stocked in hookers.

Originally published as NRL 2016: Maguire says concern is for Grevsmuhl’s wellbeing and Inglis move was planned