Madge Maguire - Mega Thread

[izotope]

Tigers players hold bonding session as Farah returns to the fold
Michael Chammas
By Michael Chammas
April 26, 2021 — 6.51pm

With the future of coach Michael Maguire up in the air, Wests Tigers players held an impromptu team bonding session on Monday in the hope of resurrecting their season.

Just 24 hours after the Anzac Day demolition that has placed the future of Maguire under the spotlight, a dozen Tigers players gathered over a meal and a few drinks at a Sydney pub as they look to turn around their horror campaign..

While the bulk of criticism has fallen on the embattled coach, who has won just 19 of 51 games at the joint venture, the players have moved to show some accountability by holding an afternoon of soul-searching ahead of Sunday’s showdown with St George Illawarra in Wollongong.

In a welcome development, club legend Robbie Farah will be moving closer to the action in the coming weeks to provide additional leadership to a young side struggling to find its way around the paddock.

The Tigers are awaiting a final clearance that could see Farah don the blue trainer’s shirt to allow him to run messages from the bench to the field and inspire an out-of-confidence side as they look to dig their way out of a 1-6 stat to the year.

If the Tigers do decide to part ways with Maguire in the coming weeks, he will not be paid out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of 2023.

The Tigers assume a familiar position behind their own posts during Sunday’s loss to Manly.
The Tigers assume a familiar position behind their own posts during Sunday’s loss to Manly.CREDIT:GETTY

The Tigers recently agreed to a two-year extension with Maguire over the summer, however there was a protection mechanism built into the contract that restricted the termination pay-out to 12 months.

It means Maguire will be entitled to around $600,000 if he becomes the fifth coach to part ways with the club in the last nine seasons.

Halfback Luke Brooks is also under pressure to keep his spot in the team. Maguire is yet to decide whether he will drop the halfback this weekend, with rookie Jock Madden in the frame to be called up for his NRL debut should Maguire dump his No.7.

The Tigers are also desperate for Jackson Hastings to join the club immediately, however they have been told by Wigan that he will not be granted a release from his deal in the Super League this year.

Tigers legend Robbie Farah will don the trainer’s shirt and play a greater role on matchday.
Tigers legend Robbie Farah will don the trainer’s shirt and play a greater role on matchday.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES

If the Tigers lose to the Dragons they will equal the club’s worst run of form since 2002, when they won just one of 11 games. The Tigers have only won a single game since round 17 last year, knocking off the Knights in Newcastle in round three.

Maguire equalled Jason Taylor on Sunday as the second-longest serving coach in Wests Tigers history, but his record is now worse. He’s also won just 37 of his last 103 games coached in the NRL, which spans back to his time with South Sydney. The Tigers take on the Dragons, Titans and Knights over the next three rounds.

While there is some support in the club for Maguire to be sacked, there are others who don’t believe the coach is the problem or have concerns about who they will get to replace him.

Shane Flanagan is available but would require NRL permission to return as a first grade coach prior to the expiration of his suspension at the end of the year.

The dumped Sharks coach would also be in a position to start immediately. The other option could be to lure the off-contract Wayne Bennett to the club, however Bennett has indicated he wants to reside in Queensland after he finishes up with South Sydney at the end of the year.

A dozen players gathered, probably the dozen that haven't taken to the field

 

[tony soprano]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

He's the waterboy and getting paid for it. He probably likes Madge, Madge never dropped him, gave him that farewell game etc.

He dropped him at souffs

He picked Farah over cook

 

[BAGNF05]

Tigers players hold bonding session as Farah returns to the fold
Michael Chammas
By Michael Chammas
April 26, 2021 — 6.51pm

With the future of coach Michael Maguire up in the air, Wests Tigers players held an impromptu team bonding session on Monday in the hope of resurrecting their season.

Just 24 hours after the Anzac Day demolition that has placed the future of Maguire under the spotlight, a dozen Tigers players gathered over a meal and a few drinks at a Sydney pub as they look to turn around their horror campaign..

While the bulk of criticism has fallen on the embattled coach, who has won just 19 of 51 games at the joint venture, the players have moved to show some accountability by holding an afternoon of soul-searching ahead of Sunday’s showdown with St George Illawarra in Wollongong.

In a welcome development, club legend Robbie Farah will be moving closer to the action in the coming weeks to provide additional leadership to a young side struggling to find its way around the paddock.

The Tigers are awaiting a final clearance that could see Farah don the blue trainer’s shirt to allow him to run messages from the bench to the field and inspire an out-of-confidence side as they look to dig their way out of a 1-6 stat to the year.

If the Tigers do decide to part ways with Maguire in the coming weeks, he will not be paid out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of 2023.

The Tigers assume a familiar position behind their own posts during Sunday’s loss to Manly.
The Tigers assume a familiar position behind their own posts during Sunday’s loss to Manly.CREDIT:GETTY

The Tigers recently agreed to a two-year extension with Maguire over the summer, however there was a protection mechanism built into the contract that restricted the termination pay-out to 12 months.

It means Maguire will be entitled to around $600,000 if he becomes the fifth coach to part ways with the club in the last nine seasons.

Halfback Luke Brooks is also under pressure to keep his spot in the team. Maguire is yet to decide whether he will drop the halfback this weekend, with rookie Jock Madden in the frame to be called up for his NRL debut should Maguire dump his No.7.

The Tigers are also desperate for Jackson Hastings to join the club immediately, however they have been told by Wigan that he will not be granted a release from his deal in the Super League this year.

Tigers legend Robbie Farah will don the trainer’s shirt and play a greater role on matchday.
Tigers legend Robbie Farah will don the trainer’s shirt and play a greater role on matchday.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES

If the Tigers lose to the Dragons they will equal the club’s worst run of form since 2002, when they won just one of 11 games. The Tigers have only won a single game since round 17 last year, knocking off the Knights in Newcastle in round three.

Maguire equalled Jason Taylor on Sunday as the second-longest serving coach in Wests Tigers history, but his record is now worse. He’s also won just 37 of his last 103 games coached in the NRL, which spans back to his time with South Sydney. The Tigers take on the Dragons, Titans and Knights over the next three rounds.

While there is some support in the club for Maguire to be sacked, there are others who don’t believe the coach is the problem or have concerns about who they will get to replace him.

Shane Flanagan is available but would require NRL permission to return as a first grade coach prior to the expiration of his suspension at the end of the year.

The dumped Sharks coach would also be in a position to start immediately. The other option could be to lure the off-contract Wayne Bennett to the club, however Bennett has indicated he wants to reside in Queensland after he finishes up with South Sydney at the end of the year.

A dozen players gathered, probably the dozen that haven't taken to the field

Let me guess, no packer, no mbye, no captain oporto

 

[WT2K]

Tigers players hold bonding session as Farah returns to the fold
Michael Chammas
By Michael Chammas
April 26, 2021 — 6.51pm

With the future of coach Michael Maguire up in the air, Wests Tigers players held an impromptu team bonding session on Monday in the hope of resurrecting their season.

Just 24 hours after the Anzac Day demolition that has placed the future of Maguire under the spotlight, a dozen Tigers players gathered over a meal and a few drinks at a Sydney pub as they look to turn around their horror campaign..

While the bulk of criticism has fallen on the embattled coach, who has won just 19 of 51 games at the joint venture, the players have moved to show some accountability by holding an afternoon of soul-searching ahead of Sunday’s showdown with St George Illawarra in Wollongong.

In a welcome development, club legend Robbie Farah will be moving closer to the action in the coming weeks to provide additional leadership to a young side struggling to find its way around the paddock.

The Tigers are awaiting a final clearance that could see Farah don the blue trainer’s shirt to allow him to run messages from the bench to the field and inspire an out-of-confidence side as they look to dig their way out of a 1-6 stat to the year.

If the Tigers do decide to part ways with Maguire in the coming weeks, he will not be paid out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of 2023.

The Tigers assume a familiar position behind their own posts during Sunday’s loss to Manly.
The Tigers assume a familiar position behind their own posts during Sunday’s loss to Manly.CREDIT:GETTY

The Tigers recently agreed to a two-year extension with Maguire over the summer, however there was a protection mechanism built into the contract that restricted the termination pay-out to 12 months.

It means Maguire will be entitled to around $600,000 if he becomes the fifth coach to part ways with the club in the last nine seasons.

Halfback Luke Brooks is also under pressure to keep his spot in the team. Maguire is yet to decide whether he will drop the halfback this weekend, with rookie Jock Madden in the frame to be called up for his NRL debut should Maguire dump his No.7.

The Tigers are also desperate for Jackson Hastings to join the club immediately, however they have been told by Wigan that he will not be granted a release from his deal in the Super League this year.

Tigers legend Robbie Farah will don the trainer’s shirt and play a greater role on matchday.
Tigers legend Robbie Farah will don the trainer’s shirt and play a greater role on matchday.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES

If the Tigers lose to the Dragons they will equal the club’s worst run of form since 2002, when they won just one of 11 games. The Tigers have only won a single game since round 17 last year, knocking off the Knights in Newcastle in round three.

Maguire equalled Jason Taylor on Sunday as the second-longest serving coach in Wests Tigers history, but his record is now worse. He’s also won just 37 of his last 103 games coached in the NRL, which spans back to his time with South Sydney. The Tigers take on the Dragons, Titans and Knights over the next three rounds.

While there is some support in the club for Maguire to be sacked, there are others who don’t believe the coach is the problem or have concerns about who they will get to replace him.

Shane Flanagan is available but would require NRL permission to return as a first grade coach prior to the expiration of his suspension at the end of the year.

The dumped Sharks coach would also be in a position to start immediately. The other option could be to lure the off-contract Wayne Bennett to the club, however Bennett has indicated he wants to reside in Queensland after he finishes up with South Sydney at the end of the year.

A dozen players gathered, probably the dozen that haven't taken to the field

Should've been the whole squad.

 

[gallagher]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

Could be a good thing !
We might win some games ..

Never worked when he played...?

I’m all for it ...
Stop being a s_ _ _ _ ?

Did you just call me a skirt? PM me big shot.

 

[gallagher]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

He's the waterboy and getting paid for it. He probably likes Madge, Madge never dropped him, gave him that farewell game etc.

He dropped him at souffs

He picked Farah over cook

That's not right. Farah was playing for the bears when we brought him back.

 

[cochise]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

He's the waterboy and getting paid for it. He probably likes Madge, Madge never dropped him, gave him that farewell game etc.

He dropped him at souffs

He picked Farah over cook

That's not right. Farah was playing for the bears when we brought him back.

Madge wasn't coach of Souths then was he?

 

[NT_Tiger]

I'll declare my Farah history straight away, I was not a supportive fan of his in his latter days and was more than ready to see him go.
When this was first mentioned I thought it was a joke, but then, what the actual?? it is true.
Ok then, so from my perspective it depends on the role the club defines for Farah, as well as whether he supports Maguire.
If Farah is not on board with Maguire and his methods, and is put in a position to white ant him, I'm not in favour of this at all. The two of them need to be in step.
If Farah is on board with Maguires methods then I can see the positives of having him there as a motivator. I think it is apparent that Farah is a passionate Wests Tigers man and if he is able to instil that passion in some of the players All the better for the team.
He's a good reader of the game and can pass some of his knowledge on to the younger players.
I won't write the decision off straight away.

 

[gallagher]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

He's the waterboy and getting paid for it. He probably likes Madge, Madge never dropped him, gave him that farewell game etc.

He dropped him at souffs

He picked Farah over cook

That's not right. Farah was playing for the bears when we brought him back.

Madge wasn't coach of Souths then was he?

Maybe not???
Not like me to be wrong

 

[cochise]

I'll declare my Farah history straight away, I was not a supportive fan of his in his latter days and was more than ready to see him go.
When this was first mentioned I thought it was a joke, but then, what the actual?? it is true.
Ok then, so from my perspective it depends on the role the club defines for Farah, as well as whether he supports Maguire.
If Farah is not on board with Maguire and his methods, and is put in a position to white ant him, I'm not in favour of this at all. The two of them need to be in step.
If Farah is on board with Maguires methods then I can see the positives of having him there as a motivator. I think it is apparent that Farah is a passionate Wests Tigers man and if he is able to instil that passion in some of the players All the better for the team.
He's a good reader of the game and can pass some of his knowledge on to the younger players.
I won't write the decision off straight away.

Madge has requested that Farah attend away games, so I think the relationship is pretty good.

 

[cochise]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

He's the waterboy and getting paid for it. He probably likes Madge, Madge never dropped him, gave him that farewell game etc.

He dropped him at souffs

He picked Farah over cook

That's not right. Farah was playing for the bears when we brought him back.

Madge wasn't coach of Souths then was he?

Maybe not???
Not like me to be wrong

That is why I included the ? ;P

 

[gallagher]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

He's the waterboy and getting paid for it. He probably likes Madge, Madge never dropped him, gave him that farewell game etc.

He dropped him at souffs

He picked Farah over cook

Sorry Tony. Your correct, my apologies.

 

[tony soprano]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

The downside is he has a history of going against coaches. I'm not convinced he would be passing on the coaches directions but passing on his directions.

He's the waterboy and getting paid for it. He probably likes Madge, Madge never dropped him, gave him that farewell game etc.

He dropped him at souffs

He picked Farah over cook

Sorry Tony. Your correct, my apologies.

Not saying that was a good decision

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

reports are 600k (one years salary) to Sack Maguire

 

[Tigerbuck63]

Ive gone from pro Maguire to time to go Maguire. I think the successor coach should come in asap and Maguire go now- giving the successor as much of this season as possible to make retention and recruitment decisions for both coaching staff and squad.

We ahve 10 players off contract end of season-- Amone, MCK, Cini, Kei, Liddle, Mikalele, Packer, Seyfarth, Tuilagi and Walters . We also have Mbye, Brooks, Roberts and BJ Leilua where decisions have to be made quickly so we can recruit if need be.

For me Madge has now failed due to

* defensive structure is not working and there seems to be no improvement.

* Attacking structure- ditto above.

* the side lacks direction, organisation and leadership both from halfback and captain and nothing is done.

* the team is either not listening to him or not capable of carrying out his plans and he doesnt amend things to suit. If the squad or their leaders are not listening why arent they sacked?

* quite simply - lack of on field success and even worse- teams lack of effort, mentally being there on the day and endurance despite a supposedly rigorous, tough training and stamina regime.

* also as a side note- as the NZ and a former ESL coach we thought he would be able to attract some good talent into the team but this has not eventuated for whatever reason/s.

Having said the bad I will acknowledge he and Hartigan have the club going in a good path with recruiting promising youth. And, I will acknowledge the squad has been a nightmare for him with overpaid under-performing players having to be weeded out and no doubt he is passionate about the team and getting them going but in the end performance and results count- he just isnt getting them.

Results count in making decisions.

Successor any of- Morris, Toovey, Flanagan, Ciraldo plus lord knows who else maybe out there. I do like the idea of creating a Director of Coaching to oversee things too but I dont know who might fit that.

I tend to agree but in all fairness rather him see out the season that sacked early, and not renew the 2 year option in the clubs favor interesting that has only been leaked now?

I was also Pro-Madge but after the cowboys game it shows that he does not have a plan for the team when they run out. Add to that Brooks continued selection it beggars disbelief.

They purchased AD from Souths what has he really done at 5/8 not much TBH? BJ now playing reserves, JTJ more like Jimmy the turtle shocker on the weekend again.

Agree inherited a dud roster with over paid recruits commend not paying overs recently.

I also think he is slightly jaded relating to Souths and does not want any good assistants around him for fear of losing his position like last time.

Overall we hear the same old script after a hefty loss, now in a worst position than last season - Results count make some changes to save your job fast.

 

[mccarry2]

Accountability is such a trendy and dangerous word.

So many seem confused in how to apply it productively. It’s the word Aussies throw out when anything goes wrong.

Hold them accountable... that will fix problem A or problem B

For example we want our political leaders to be accountable for every person in the public service. Public service issue... sack the relevant minister.

It is a trend in society to scapegoat someone but position it as accountability.

Compounding this is us everyday Joe Smucks then sleep easier thinking the problem is solved. We sleep well and then wake up thinking that it solved the actual problem.

Something is wrong... don’t worry accountability fixes it...

Or does it?

Accountability traditionally is an ownership and motivation tool. It seeks to ensure an individual is committed by linking the outcome and the person.

Budgets in a company do this

Sales targets for reps do this. Sell x$ earn y$ bonus. Don’t sell, your accountability is no bonus.

Accountability is a part of culture. In fact personally I believe it is a major part. However, it is not culture on its own. Without other key parts of culture it is nothing. Holding people accountable in a business with zero integrity is still a crap culture.

Perhaps even more important, it is not a strategy. Perhaps it’s a tactic in a strategy, but it’s not a strategy.

See, we sacked a coach... Tim... then we sacked another... Potter, then we sacked another... JT.

Each time this was justifiable accountability.

What is wasn’t was a solution to our clubs problem.

Why would it be the solution now?

 

[Lauren]

Bit of an overreaction on the Farah thing. Might not make a massive difference but there's no downside to it. Souths have Sutton running their water

Exactly.
Their chosen profession requires teamwork and while they may still be in the earlier stages of understanding each other on the field, these type of events can help develop stronger bonds or with the current pressure.
There's a lot of background noise and it's not exactly ideal for any of our players so I don't see anything wrong with it really or IDRC how we go about it.
They're still facing some hardship and need to reconnect or focus on what motivational factors personally drive them. Any team building activities are a bonus IMO, as it teaches our youth (who should be a top priority) that to overcome adversity - and achieve success - in this business involves working together.

You can't rewrite history but you think it would be seen as water under the bridge.. by now.

 

[Telltails]

Accountability is such a trendy and dangerous word.

So many seem confused in how to apply it productively. It’s the word Aussies throw out when anything goes wrong.

Hold them accountable... that will fix problem A or problem B

For example we want our political leaders to be accountable for every person in the public service. Public service issue... sack the relevant minister.

It is a trend in society to scapegoat someone but position it as accountability.

Compounding this is us everyday Joe Smucks then sleep easier thinking the problem is solved. We sleep well and then wake up thinking that it solved the actual problem.

Something is wrong... don’t worry accountability fixes it...

Or does it?

Accountability traditionally is an ownership and motivation tool. It seeks to ensure an individual is committed by linking the outcome and the person.

Budgets in a company do this

Sales targets for reps do this. Sell x$ earn y$ bonus. Don’t sell, your accountability is no bonus.

Accountability is a part of culture. In fact personally I believe it is a major part. However, it is not culture on its own. Without other key parts of culture it is nothing. Holding people accountable in a business with zero integrity is still a crap culture.

Perhaps even more important, it is not a strategy. Perhaps it’s a tactic in a strategy, but it’s not a strategy.

See, we sacked a coach... Tim... then we sacked another... Potter, then we sacked another... JT.

Each time this was justifiable accountability.

What is wasn’t was a solution to our clubs problem.

Why would it be the solution now?

Deflection of blame appeases those who want action. In an organisation that is not succeeding it is never a solution it just takes the heat off the other stakeholders. Maguire is not the reason we are where we are he just can't fix it alone.

 

[Tigerdave]

So the players are holding a bonding session......we've had them in the past.....why do they still need to happen??

Everyone needs to get their stuff together, the fan base is really at the end of the rope.

We've got Dragons, Titans, Knights, Warriors, Dragons again then Panthers who'll be missing a few. Need wins on the board to turn this around. Beginning of the year, definitely would have expected a few wins here, I'm not too sure now.

I think I've gone past angry, to just disappointed

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

https://twitter.com/i/status/1386607412447256583

Chammas reporting on 9 that Robbie is aiming to be free to become a "trainer" for the Tigers from this weekend if NRL approve it. Meanwhile, up to 12 players went to the Pub this arvo to soul search. You can't make this stuff up!