Sam Burgess defends the coaching methods of Michael Maguire

SAM Burgess has defended the coaching style of Michael Maguire following the spray by departed Rabbitohs Chris Grevsmuhl.

Michael Maguire’s coaching methods were criticised by Chris Grevsmuhl.

SAM Burgess was lured back to Redfern from the other side of the world by Michael Maguire, so it was only natural he was going to be disappointed a former teammate had fired an extraordinary parting shot at the coach.

Chris Grevsmuhl told The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday Maguire was a ‘’mind-game specialist’’ whom he could no longer play under.

Mindful of getting caught in a public slanging match, Burgess said he was saddened rather than angry with Grevsmuhl’s sensational spray.

“I’m sorry Chris feels that way,’’ Burgess said.

“I think we should move on. We have moved on.

“A lot of people did a lot of things for Chris at this club. That’s why I’m sad.’’

Bunnies’ backrower Jason Clark also defended Maguire, whose no-nonsense style has not always agreed with everyone, including Chris McQueen who will run out for the Gold Coast against Souths on Sunday.

“If anything, ‘Madge’ has helped me with my head space’’,’’ Clark said.

“Through my whole career I’ve been in and out of first grade, going back to reserve grade is never great, but Madge has been there to help me physically and mentally.

“Chris is entitled to his opinion, and it’s unfortunate he left on those terms.’’

Grevsmuhl will play his first game for new club Penrith tomorrow night, and admitted things had become so bad with Maguire after a couple of heated verbal exchanges, he simply refused to train.

SKILL: The man the Blues must use in Origin II

FIXED: Scandal brings game to its knees

Some at Souths were deeply disappointed in Grevsmuhl, especially after he was given the chance to play in the Auckland Nines and World Club Challenge triumphs before he had even featured in the NRL. They claimed there had been support on and off the field.

Grevsmuhl was grateful the club had given him his shot at first grade, but would not back down from his stinging assessment of Maguire.

Burgess and his fellow Bunnies could not have looked happier as they were put through their paces by Maguire at a sun-filled Coogee Oval.

Souths travel to the Perth to host the Titans - and the league lovers in the wild west are sure to see the best of Burgess, who freshened up last weekend by relaxing with his wife in the southern highlands.

The powerhouse Pom was back to his hard-hitting best against the Eels, and again solid in the win over the Dragons before the break.

Burgess has been building slowly since a neck injury in Round 3.

It was always going to take a few games to rediscover the form that made him a cult hero in 2014 before last year’s fling with rugby.

“I’m happy, and I’m feeling comfortable playing longer minutes,’’ Burgess said.

“I also feel like I’m getting some quality in the smaller things in my game, things people don’t pick up, but things my teammates pick up, which means a lot to them.’’

Adam Reynolds and Greg Inglis were given a spell from training after their involvement in Wednesday’s Origin, and will relish the five-day turnaround before taking their place in the halves on Sunday.

Originally published as Sam Burgess defends the coaching methods of Michael Maguire