NRL 2022 coaching clipboard: Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire

Tyrone Peachey is one of Wests Tigers’ key off-season recruits and coach Michael Maguire has opened up on how the versatile star will fit into the line-up.

Tim Sheens and coach Michael Maguire watch the Tigers squad train at Leichardt Oval. Picture: Toby Zerna

One of the most under-pressure coaches in the NRL, Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire tackles the big questions ahead of the 2022 campaign.

You have made some significant additions to your squad this year. Which recruit has impressed you the most?

Jackson Hastings, Tyronne Peachy and Oliver Gildart are the more notable players we have recruited. They have all come in and added to the group with their experience and also their personalities. They have brought a fresh energy to the club and that is certainly a positive. The bonds between the new players and the existing players have really grown over the pre-season.

Where will Jackson Hastings fit in? Is he competing for a halves spot or will he be used as a lock/utility?

We have had Jackson working with the halves. In the spine we have Jackson, Luke Brooks, Tyrone Peachey and Jock Madden working hard with Dane (Laurie) so he can get a good understanding of playing with them all. We also have Jake Liddle and Jake Simpkin in and around No.9. Jackson can cover a lot of positions but he has spent a lot of time in the halves.

Jackson Hastings is one of the Tigers’ key off-season recruits.

How is Adam Doueihi going with his injury? When can we expect him back?

We are looking at about round 10. We need to be smart and not bring him back too early. But he is looking good at the moment and is ahead of schedule.

Tyrone Peachy is another player that can cover a number of positions. Can you tell us a little about what you are expecting from him this year?

I have been really impressed with Peach. He gets in and works really hard on both his game and his connections with his teammates. I think he is going to give us a real point of difference. Whether we use him at lock or five-eighth, he is quite versatile and that versatility will give us a real point of difference. He has really jumped in and been a good voice around the organisation with his experience. He is also very motivated to do well with the players which has been really pleasing.

Tyrone Peachey has impressed since joining the Tigers in the off-season.

You have also brought over an Englishman in Oliver Gildart. What challenges will he face in his transition into becoming an NRL player?

Ollie is very skilful. He is also very fast. Adapting to the speed of the game may be his biggest challenge. It will just take a little bit of time for him to get an understanding of how the NRL is played. The big difference is adjusting to the speed of the game week in and week out. He has played the game at the highest level and has a wealth of experience, so I am expecting him to adjust well. He is also a great personality to have around the place. I am looking forward to seeing him develop and evolve. He has already built up some great combinations with others in the group.

Are you happy with the squad you have assembled?

Over the last two years we have been developing our squad with good young talent coming through. A lot of those young guys are now experienced first-graders because of the amount of games they have played over the last couple of years. Players like Shaun Blore, Daine Laurie, Stefano, Tom Mikaele and Jake Simpkin, they have all learned how to play week in and week out at the top level. We are starting to build a lot of games played together and that is a big evolution. And to bring in some older guys like Peach and Jacko to work alongside the senior guys, we have a nice balance.

Tim Sheens and coach Michael Maguire watch the Tigers squad train at Leichardt Oval. Picture: Toby Zerna

What has Tim Sheens’ role at the club been?

Having a relationship with Tim prior to him coming to the club, whether it was coaching against him or being coached by him, has been a big advantage. He has done a lot in the background. He is building on the structures and pathways in and around the club. He is also great just to chat with. I am able to talk both about players and footy with him and I really appreciate having his knowledge to call on. We are both focused on making sure our club is a success in the long term.