Michael Maguire firms for Titans job with Kevin Walters set to extend Maroons contract

MICHAEL Maguire has another year to go on his contract at the Rabbitohs but the club may not stand in his way if he wants to move to the Titans.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire has firmed as an option for the Titans. Picture. Phil Hillyard

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters is likely to extend his contract this week as Michael Maguire firms as an option for the Gold Coast Titans.

Walters was understood to have been interested in the Titans job a fortnight ago following the sacking of Neil Henry.

But he has sought the counsel of several respected figures who have warned him about the perils of the job.

He is tipped to decide in the next few days to stay with Queensland for the next three seasons.

Maguire has another year to go on his contract at the Rabbitohs but there is a feeling his journey there has run its course.

Souths have been in decline since their 2014 premiership win and the club may decide that if a rival club was interested in him, a move may be beneficial to both Maguire and the Rabbitohs.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire has firmed as an option for the Titans. Picture. Phil Hillyard

The Titans are in the process of forming a committee who will form a short list likely to include Maguire and perhaps Walters, if they feel they can lure him away from his Queensland job.

The Rabbitohs believe Maguire, who manages himself, has not been approached by the Titans but that could change once the committee and short list are formed.

It cannot be assumed the Titans could afford Maguire who is on $800,000 a year at Souths, double the amount paid to Henry.

Test captain Cameron Smith and fullback Billy Slater, who have worked closely with Walters with Queensland and during his stint as an assistant coach at the Melbourne Storm, have subtly expressed their hope he stays with Queensland.

“Kevvie is a great coach, I have been lucky enough to have him as an assistant in Melbourne and now with Queensland,’’ Smith said.

Kevin Walters is likely to extend his contract with the Maroons.

“He has done a great job with both teams I have been involved with. It is his decision.

“He would be great if he went to the Titans, but why would he step away from Queensland, he is doing a great job there.’’

Slater felt Walters could be a success at the Titans but Queensland remains a great option.

“No doubt he could be but he is doing a fantastic job with the Maroons and the big question is whether he would be prepared to let that go,’’ Slater said.

Billy Slater and Kevin Walters celebrate Queensland’s State of Origin triumph.

“Would you want to leave what he has at the Maroons? He has got himself a really nice position at the moment. But he has done his trade.

“He has worked with some of the best coaches in the business in Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett.’’

Former Bronco Terry Matterson, an assistant coach with Henry, is also interested in the Titans job and is likely to make the short list.

Originally published as Michael Maguire firms for Titans job with Kevin Walters set to extend Maroons contract