Tim Sheens’ review which will decide the fate of Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire remains ongoing but more pressing for the club could be the contentious return of star Adam Doueihi.
Sheens is continuing with the mid-season stocktake into the Tigers fortunes, which will eventually decide if Maguire stays on as coach.
It is expected the Tigers head of football will sit down with Maguire this week to get a gauge on exactly how the season has progressed and if there is any hope the coach can turn the side’s fortunes around.
Sheens commenced his review last week and has already met with some staff.
Those inside the Tigers camp insist nothing was to eventuate this weekend after Maguire and the playing squad returned from a few days break last Friday.
It is understood Sheens’ recommendation will be taken on face value – either Maguire has his support or he does not and the board will act accordingly.
The next scheduled board meeting is towards the end of this month but it is expected the board will convene before then and make a decision on the coach.
There is little doubt there is a push from some at the club for Cameron Ciraldo to be offered the job long-term, despite Maguire having another season left on his deal.
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Ciraldo was spoken about at the end of last season but wanted to focus on Penrith’s premiership quest. There is a suggestion that Ciraldo is considering the job more vigorously this time around but does not want to put his hand up for the position until it is vacant.
If the Tigers part ways with Maguire and Ciraldo opts against taking the position, plan B would be going to market and exploring the potential candidates including Kristian Woolf, John Morris, Shane Flanagan and Brett Hodgson. An interim such as Brett Kimmorely could be put in place for the rest of the season.
The planned return of Doueihi has also caused some angst in the Tigers ranks.
Doueihi has been medically cleared to play his first game of the year against Manly next Sunday.
The plan is for Doueihi to potentially start from the interchange bench, with Maguire and Doueihi keen for the pivot to return to the field as soon as possible.
However, News Corp has learnt there is some resistance from within the club in Doueihi returning as early as round 14. There is a thought that some want him to rehabilitate for the rest of the season to preserve his long-term future.
The 23-year-old is on the comeback trail from a second knee reconstruction on his left knee and has not played since round 23 last year.
Doueihi wants to play five-eighth so it remains to be seen how Maguire will work him into the squad with Jackson Hastings arguably the team’s best player this season at halfback and million-dollar man Luke Brooks shining at five-eighth.
The Tigers have won only three games this season and sit just ahead of Gold Coast and Canterbury on the ladder.
After Manly they have winnable matches against the Bulldogs and Warriors but Maguire’s future is expected to be decided by then.
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