NRL 2022: Michael Maguire rejects Titans deal, Trent Barrett to join Parramatta Eels as assistant coach

Sacked Tigers coach Michael Maguire has rejected an NRL lifeline at the Titans, while former Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett has found a new home for next season.

Former South Sydney premiership winning coach Michael Maguire has ruled out being part of a recovery mission on the Gold Coast as the Titans ignored Broncos legend Corey Parker’s offer to join the embattled club.

The Titans are sifting through a number of candidates to help besieged head coach Justin Holbrook, with the likes of NRL title-winners Shane Flanagan and Maguire mentioned as possible assistants within the corridors of power at Parkwood.

Holbrook has identified a number of potential assistants and is closing in on his support staff for 2023 following the premature departure of right-hand man Jim Dymock.

But 347-game Broncos great Parker is unlikely to be part of the Titans’ resurrection after publicly offering his services to the wooden spoon contenders.

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Former Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire has rejected a bid to be an assistant to Justin Holbrook. Picture: Getty Images.

Holbrook said he had not spoken to Parker since the former Queensland Origin and Kangaroos star raised the prospect of joining the Titans last week.

“I haven’t spoken to Corey,” he said.

“He was a terrific player for a long time and is doing a great job commentating.

“There’s lots of talk around that (assistants). I don’t want to comment on staff and players.

“We’ve got a couple of key players coming next year which is great. We’ve got a good opportunity to get it right next year.

“We’re getting closer (to finalising our staff). I don’t want to speculate until things are locked in.”

While Holbrook was reluctant to go into specifics around his appointments, it’s clear Maguire will not be heading to the Gold Coast.

Maguire told News Corp he has no interest in being an assistant as he looks to eventually resurrect his career as a head coach in the NRL.

Corey Parker had put his hand up to help at the Titans. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Maguire took Souths to the 2014 premiership and would have been a handy ally for Holbrook, but the New Zealand Test coach insists he is not a spent force in the NRL.

Sacked by the Tigers in June, Maguire feels refreshed after a recent overseas holiday with his wife and is ready to lead the Kiwis to World Cup glory later this year.

“I’ve still got a burning passion to keep coaching. It’s the one thing I really do love,” he said.

“I just want to win another premiership. I want to taste that success again. I had a taste of it in the NRL and overseas (at Wigan) and that’s why I love doing it.

“I want to be successful at this year’s World Cup and I’d love another chance to win another trophy in the NRL.

“When you do get it right in the NRL, you really savour those moments because that’s what the sport does to people. Nothing beats winning with a group of good men. It makes me want to come back for more as a head coach.”

Titans coach Holbrook remains under pressure as he fights to avoid the wooden spoon. Picture: Getty Images.

The pressure has eased slightly on Holbrook after the Titans snapped a 10-game losing streak in last Sunday’s big win over Manly.

They have an opportunity to make it two-in-a-row against the Dragons in Wollongong on Sunday after winning the previous encounter this year in a golden-point thriller at Magic Round.

Centre Brian Kelly (knee) is set to miss the game while young halfback Toby Sexton will turn out for Tweed Heads in the Hostplus Cup after being dropped a fortnight ago.

BARRETT REVEALS SHOCK NEW COACHING MOVE

—Dean Ritchie

Parramatta has signed Trent Barrett as an NRL assistant coach for two years from 2023.

It is a remarkable return for Barrett, who left the Bulldogs in mid-May.

Barrett had also attracted interest from St George Illawarra, his former playing club.

“Trent has a wealth of football experience which he has harnessed over almost three decades as an elite player and coach, I’m sure he will contribute significantly to help enhance our football program,” said Eels coach Brad Arthur.

Barrett played 235 NRL games for the Dragons, Steelers and Sharks along with 60 matches for Wigan.

He played 15 Tests for Australia.

Trent Barrett has joined the Eels. Picture: NRL Imagery

Barrett has coached Canterbury and Manly while being an assistant coach with Penrith.

“Brad identified Trent Barrett as someone who could add great value to our football program,” said Eels general manager of football, Mark O’Neill. “And we all agreed that to be the case based on Trent’s credentials and experience.

“I know he will be a wonderful fit for our club as we seek to continuously improve each and every year. I look forward to welcoming Trent and his family to our club”.