Former Rabbitohs forward Chris Grevsmuhl slams South Sydney coach Michael Maguire

CHRIS Grevsmuhl has fired an extraordinary parting shot at South Sydney coach Michael Maguire, saying he could no longer play under him.

CHRIS Grevsmuhl has fired an extraordinary parting shot at South Sydney coach Michael Maguire, labelling him a “mind-game specialist’’ he could no longer play under.

Before the rugby league world tuned into the Origin I blockbuster last night, Grevsmuhl unloaded his own brand of fireworks on his former coach.

Grevsmuhl was given an early release from Souths to join Penrith, but only after his relationship with Maguire had hit rock bottom.

Grevsmuhl in the thick of it with new club Penrith.

After a verbal blow-up on a Monday at training after the Wests Tigers’ defeat in round nine, Grevsmuhl refused to train and was given time to think about his future.

When he returned the following Monday to let Maguire know he still wanted out, tempers flared again.

“He’s a mind-game specialist. He breaks you down mentally,’’ Grevsmuhl told The Daily Telegraph. “We were butting heads more often than usual.

“We were usually all good, but towards the back end, I don’t know if it was the way the team was going and he was getting pressured, but it was different.

“He called me in on a Monday (after the Wests Tigers’ loss) at training. He questioned why I was there, the effort I was putting in, he questioned whether my head was already out here (at Penrith), and questioned why I was talking to other clubs.

“It was everything, and I don’t know where it all came from.

“Nothing had been said about this before, but this day he brought it all out, and the things he said I remember as clear as day. I gave him my side of things, but I guess he didn’t believe it. I don’t know if he thought he was going to motivate me, but it had the exact opposite (effect).’’

Grevsmuhl said his only regret was having to leave his mates at the Rabbitohs, the club who gave him his shot in the NRL.

But there was no way he could have continued to play under Maguire, who is renown for his hard line stance.

Maguire’s comments won’t be lost on the 23-year-old when Penrith and Souths clash at Pepper Stadium later this month.

“I’m excited for that one. It will be one hell of a clash in my books, and I can’t wait,’ Grevsmuhl said of the round 16 Friday night clash.

Maguire preferred not to comment when contacted by The Daily Telegraph.

Maguire’s reputation has copped a bit of a battering in recent months.

He said at the time of Grevsmuhl’s release the club had done a lot for him on and off the field. Souths had also given him a chance to play in an Auckland Nines’ and World Club Challenge triumph before he had even played first grade.

Grevsmhul, who joins an impressive list of backrowers at the foot of the mountains, was keen to play his first game for Penrith against Melbourne on Saturday night.

Already destined for the Panthers next season, Grevsmuhl said he instantly felt at home. The players are equally happy to have him on board.

“It never entered my mind to come early, but I’m glad it’s gone the way it has, and I want to put my best foot forward for all the guys here and do my best,’’ Grevsmuhl said.

“I can’t wait to get on the field, and it’s been a month since my last game.

“In the NRL you need backrowers who can also play in the middle and longer minutes, and keep doing what they’re doing. The big boys’ game is just about done with the fewer interchanges. It’s a positive having so many (at Penrith).’’