NRL 2022: Michael Maguire addresses Wests Tigers exit and return to Canberra Raiders

Michael Maguire has stepped out in Canberra’s famous colours once again just a few days ago after returning to Australia from the rugby league World Cup. Read the exclusive interview.

These photos were taken nearly 30 years apart.

One shows a young and aspiring Michael Maguire attempting to carve out a successful first grade at Canberra in the early 1990s.

The other shows the same man – a little older and wiser – back in the same lime green colours carving out a new coaching role back at the Raiders.

His appearance may have changed over time but his passion for Canberra hasn’t waned. Maguire spoke publicly on Monday for the first time about his anticipated return to Canberra after a 30-year absence.

After admitting he had “moved on” from his Wests Tigers demise, the former South Sydney premiership-winning coach joined Ricky Stuart’s staff for the 2023 season as the club’s senior NRL consultant.

He stepped out in Canberra’s famous colours once again just a few days ago after returning to Australia from the rugby league World Cup, where he coached New Zealand into the semi-finals.

“It’s ironic to be back 30-odd years after I arrived here,” Maguire said.

Michael Maguire as a young Raider and an experienced coach.

“Canberra has always held a special place in my heart and I’ve always had a great passion for the Raiders. I actually supported Canberra as a kid. Guys like Gary Belcher and Bradley Clyde were my favourites players back then. It was the club which gave me my first opportunity.

“I fell out of the club as a player through injury quite early actually. That pulled me up. Mal (Meninga, then head coach) got me back in to help out as an assistant coach and then with some strength and conditioning work.

“I was fortunate to play with Mal. We stayed in touch after I finished and asked that I come back in, help out and stay around the game, which is something that I wanted.

“I learnt my trade and then Matty Elliott came in (as Canberra coach) and asked me to be an assistant coach, full-time. I then landed down in Melbourne and they rolled through to grand finals and I saw that club rise.

Michael Maguire back in Canberra colours.

“I went overseas and applied what I learned and had some joy over there.

“‘Bellyache’ (Craig Bellamy) got me down to Melbourne for five years and I was then at Wigan for two seasons. Then there was Souths for six years and the last period at Wests Tigers for three years. It’s been a great ride.

“I’m an old bastard now.”

Maguire shifted to Canberra after being sacked by Wests Tigers in June. He elected against commenting on his demise at Concord but it’s fair to say he will be keen for Canberra’s round 14 game against Wests Tigers and the return match at GIO Stadium in round 23.

The two sides also meet in a trial match at Belmore Sports Ground on February 19.

“I’ve moved on (from Wests Tigers) – there’s no point looking back,” Maguire said.

Maguire said Canberra’s current roster is enamoured with the club’s rich history of past champions.

“I started here in ’92 but Ricky was here before me. I enjoyed my time playing with him (Stuart) and enjoy being with him again now. It’s been good,” Maguire said.

“And I tell you what is really noticeable — the recognition of the past greats at the club and how the young ones want to aspire to be like they were.

“The former greats are in and around the club and the old boys are talked about a lot at this club. The young blokes – even the older players – talk about having those old boys being part of the club.

Michael Maguire was sacked by Wests Tigers last season.

“So as an old boy coming back, it’s actually really enjoyable. I was very fortunate to come into the club when some of the best were playing in the game. They’re my memories from the 1990s.

“There was a time back then half the Australian team and half the Kiwi side were playing at Canberra.”

Now 48, Maguire played 11 first grade matches for Canberra between 1992 and 1996. He brings an incredible coaching CV to Canberra – he has won grand finals in both hemispheres — and will give the Raiders a decisive edge.

“I just want to help ‘Sticky’ and for the club to be the best they can be,” he said. “It’s an exciting group – they a have lot of good youth coming through and some exciting young backs like Xavier Savage, Matt Timoko, Seb Kris.

“And then you’ve got a good sprinkling of the older guys too upfront that steer the ship. It’s a good blend.

“‘Sticky’ has got me doing a bit of everything. I’m across the defence and am helping out wherever I can. That’s really what my role is, helping with the various experiences I have had. Wherever I can help, I will help.

“I’m really enjoying coaching the players on the field. It’s a good, strong club. These are exciting times but there’s lots of work to do.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Michael Maguire addresses Wests Tigers exit and return to Canberra Raiders