Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire to be appointed Lebanon coach

FORMER South Sydney and current NRL referees coach Michael Maguire is set to be appointed as the new Cedars coach, taking over from NSW Blues boss Brad Fittler.

Michael Maguire is the current NRL referees coach. Picture: Phil Hillyard

FORMER South Sydney coach Michael Maguire is set to be appointed as the new Cedars coach.

The Daily Telegraph understands Maguire is close to agreeing on terms with the Lebanon Rugby League Federation.

While the finer details of the deal are is still being negotiated it’s believed it will be a two-year deal that will also focus on growing the game in the middle east.

Michael Maguire is the current NRL referees coach. Picture: Phil Hillyard

His signature would be another coup for the minnow nation that secured the services of league great Brad Fittler to lead the side during last year’s Rugby League World Cup.

It’s understood Maguire has reached out to several senior Cedars players to discuss the role.

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The Cedars were one of the surprise packets of the tournament qualifying for an unlikely quarterfinals berth and almost caused a boilover against Tonga in Christchurch.

Maguire’s first job will be putting a team together that will take on Papua New Guinea as part of the Pacific Test fixtures during the standalone State Origin weekend at Campbelltown Stadium on June 23.

Brad Fittler led Lebanon to the World Cup quarterfinals last year. Picture: Mark Evans

His new coaching gig will not impact his current role with the NRL as the newly appointed referees coach. Maguire snapped up by the governing body in to help overhaul the current officiating process and structure.

Originally published as Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire to be appointed Lebanon coach