Shocking twist as Tigers make huge call on Michael Maguire’s future

The Wests Tigers have made a shock announcement on the future of embattled head coach Michael Maguire in a massive U-turn from recent reports.

The Wests Tigers have confirmed Michael Maguire will stay on as head coach. Picture: Albert Perez / Getty Images

The Wests Tigers have confirmed Michael Maguire will stay on as the club’s head coach after a review of their football operations, in a huge twist in the ongoing saga at the NRL club.

Despite being under contract for a further two seasons, Maguire was largely believed to be on the chopping block once the Tigers commenced their annual review.

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Despite a 13th-placed finish that ended with an embarrassing 38-0 defeat to the last-placed Canterbury Bulldogs in the final round of the season, Maguire’s position has been officially declared safe.

The decision to stick with the premiership-winning coach was one result of the review, with the Tigers also announcing several structural and procedural changes to come into effect.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe noted just how difficult Maguire’s tenure as coach has been, as he’s had to contend with numerous external factors throughout his time at the club.

“While we always understood this review and process would take time, it was the responsibility of the football committee to ensure all information was considered to make the right decisions for the club moving forward,” Pascoe said.

Maguire will stay on at the Wests Tigers. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

“Michael has been with the club over arguably its most challenging time with the Covid-19 pandemic, has overseen significant change both on and off the field throughout his tenure and on behalf of all at the Wests Tigers, I’d like to thank him for his effort so far.

“We are firmly committed to building a high performing club. With our strong financial position, increased investment and recent success of our pathway teams, the new Centre of Excellence and continued work on a South West academy, the arrival of Tim Sheens and his experience in NRL systems, this club is posed to reap the rewards of several years of hard work.

“We believe that through Michael’s vast experience and by continuing to challenge the way we operate, we will continue drive the high standards and behaviours needed to ensure we achieve our goals as a club.”

Maguire was announced as the Wests Tigers coach in October 2018, but has failed to lead the club into the finals in his three seasons at the helm.

In 2019, the Tigers narrowly missed out on the finals with a ninth-place finish, but have regressed since, with 11th and 13th finishes in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Maguire arrived at the Tigers after he was cut loose by the Rabbitohs in 2017.

He delivered a premiership to the Bunnies in 2014, the club’s first since 1971.