Michael Maguire responds to ‘almost certainly be his last game’ claim

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire has responded after The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield reported his “demise was closer”.

Is the end of the Michael Maguire era near? Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire reportedly has just one more game before he will be sacked according to The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield.

But the under fire coach has reportedly denied any knowledge of a move within the club to oust him from his position as the club’s mid-season review continues.

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Speaking on NRL 360 on Monday, Rothfield reported that Maguire’s “demise was closer” and said that Maguire was set to be sacked after the Tigers clash against the Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The reason for the delay is reportedly due to the fact the Tigers had been undertaking a review during the bye week fronted by director of football Tim Sheens, who has been struggling with flu.

“I’m told that next week there will be action, it will involve Madge leaving the club and that Sunday’s game V Manly at Campbelltown will almost certainly be his last game,” he said.

“Try to get it confirmed though from anyone officially at the Wests Tigers, they’re playing low key, not taking phone calls but there is very very strong mail that Sunday will be his last game.”

Braith Anasta said: “We’re not surprised by this are we though? We’ve heard this for a while now.”

Rothfield said he believed the confusion around the issue was due to the Tigers wanting to do their due diligence before going public.

“I think it’s about dotting every I and crossing every T and being able to go to Madge and present all the facts,” he said. “And then present all the evidence to show him why they’re going to break the contract.”

Maguire told Kent he hadn’t heard anything as yet. Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images

Paul Kent said that the club just had to make a decision.

Anasta agreed, adding that it was an “uncomfortable situation” as it continues to draw on with the rumour and speculation over his job.

The Tigers moved up from 15th to 13th over the weekend despite not playing and having won just three of 12 matches this season thanks to two competition points from the bye.

Kent said the issue had been the review undertaken by the club which is forcing a delay.

“They tried to make out that every club does this (a review), it’s no big deal but the fact is they’re the only club doing a review halfway through the season,” he said.

“We still don’t know the results of last years’ summer review. The illness to Sheens is what’s been the delay.

“This is just excruciating management to sit down and have this drag out and have this debated daily when it sounds like the decision has been made.”

Rothfield added that it “had gone on too long” and demanded some leadership from the bosses of the club.

However, during an interview with Damien Cook ahead of Origin, Kent spoke with Maguire who denied hearing anything about his future with the club.

“He said he’s just been with Tim Sheens and it’s all news to him,” Kent revealed. “As Buzz said, it’s something that’s moving at an accelerating rate but certainly Michael Maguire has not been told a thing and has no intention of walking in himself and saying ‘I’m done’.”

Originally published as Michael Maguire responds to ‘almost certainly be his last game’ claim