@avocadoontoast said in [Madge Maguire \- Mega Thread](/post/1461475) said:
Wests Tigers prepare for decision on Michael Maguire as James McManus case close to an end
By Brent Read
The Wests Tigers’ season will mercifully come to an end on Sunday but the hard work is about to begin. The Tigers have some big decisions to make in coming weeks, most notably around the future of coach Michael Maguire.
A review of the football department has already kicked off and a decision on Maguire’s future is expected by the end of the month. It’s hard to get a precise read on whether Maguire will be there next season or not, but Sunday’s result against Canterbury could be crucial.
Should the Tigers lose, they are likely to remain in 13th, the club’s worst finish in four years. It would also be the worst finish of Maguire’s stellar coaching career. A win could mean the club jumping to 11th, although that would be small consolation given the expectation of Tigers fans and officials when the season began.
There is a sense of urgency around the decision. The Tigers have more than $1m of salary cap burning a hole in their pocket and a desire to spend it. Decisions need to be made on players and recruitment.
Weekend Read understands that Maguire is keen to give James Roberts a new contract but the club may hold their nerve until a decision is made on the coach.
At the heart of the call will be whether the club believes Maguire has the ability to extract the best from the playing group. On this year, it would be hard to argue in the affirmative.
The sense is that there is disconnect between the players and the coaching staff. The question for the Tigers will be whether it can be repaired or whether the dressing room requires a fresh voice.
Incoming head of performance Tim Sheens will play a part in the decision from afar – he is tentatively booked to return from England next month to begin his new role.
The club’s junior numbers are healthy. The top squad has flashed potential at times this year but more often have been out of their depth.
It is understood premiership winner Shane Flanagan is unlikely to get the job if it does become vacant, although Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo, Queensland’s Paul Green and St Helens coach Kristian Woolf deserve consideration.
I’ll buy a membership next year just to return it if we sign Paul Green.