Maguire lifts lid on player power at Tigers

[rustycage]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

I'M with you there,and Peter Tunks,a brain dead forward, who cares?

His actually good to listen to, I haven’t heard the latest but he usually makes really good points. His no slouch. First grade coach over in England and is now involved with junior development. It would be nice to prove him wrong though, but these guys are just calling a duck a duck. No need to get upset by his comments. His paid to make them.

And would not have any bias.lol.

The only bias would be one his a bulldog through and through and two Robbo is a huge Wests Tigers fan and Tunksy likes giving him stick.

It's he's.

 

[Deleted member 3518]

[**‘I’m not dealing with kids here’: Maguire lifts lid on player power at Tigers**](https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-m-not-dealing-with-kids-here-maguire-lifts-lid-on-player-power-at-tigers-20210214-p572e5.html)

By [Michael Chammas](https://www.smh.com.au/by/michael-chammas-hvenc)

There’s a perception of Michael Maguire that the coach just can’t shake. Nor does he care to.

In the last two seasons, that perception has arguably cost the Wests Tigers the signatures of several big-name stars reluctant to become just another chapter in the story of the intense, ruthless coach who pushes his players to the brink - and sometimes beyond.

Last year, at the risk of losing his job, which has since been secured in the form of a two-year extension, Maguire drove his players beyond their comfort zone. Some turned on him.

"I was aware," Maguire admitted of the growing unrest in the playing group towards him. "I was well aware. We were pushing boundaries that we hadn’t pushed before. But we have to push the club to a higher level. If we keep doing things the same, we will get the same result."

When the Herald sat down to interview Maguire recently, it was apparent that little is known about the coach and his interests away from rugby league.

"You probably don’t ask the right questions," Maguire fires back. "You always want to go to the other stuff. I’ve got plenty of different interests."

But even when asked the "right questions", Maguire reverts back to an old school give-em-nothing approach that - for the most part - has served him well throughout his coaching career.

"It’s nothing that I want to share," he says. But it’s that very demeanour that amplifies a perception that is backed up by the stories of boa constrictors and baseball bats in dressing rooms, or how South Sydney players used to get fined for using certain words in the media.

"If they are doing it on the park, doesn’t that do the talking?" Maguire asks. "I get we need to do our part to promote the game and those sorts of things, but the success on the park is what creates the greatest ride.

"If I see my players successful and the boys enjoying the ride of what happens when you win a grand final, they get to see what’s real. Because I saw a lot of fans [at Souths] enjoying that ride. They are the ones I care about. I saw a lot of Souths fans living in hope. It went from hope to actually believing it. Then it was that belief that helped us achieve it. That’s more special than people knowing about what I do away from footy.

"The players may say certain things about how hard it was, but I tell you when they were doing that lap around that field with the trophy on grand final day, it was a pretty great moment. They are things this club deserves. That’s why I was so keen to come here."

On day one of pre-season, following a year of stories questioning his coaching methods and their effectiveness on the modern-day footballer, Maguire addressed a squad shorn of over 1000 games of experience. While his demands had previously been met with raised eyebrows by senior players, his audience is now largely receptive.

“I think we all know times have changed and you need to handle each person in a different light,” Maguire said. “But I’m also dealing with men. I’m not dealing with kids here. It is the responsibility of the senior guys to set a tone around what they want to achieve. If they go after that and they set standards, it influences the young ones.

“You’re growing these men to take ownership of what they are doing. We need leaders to help these younger generations realise that life is not easy. There are challenges, but if you fight through those challenges, it’s amazing what you can achieve.”

Maguire won’t go into detail about how his once-strong relationship with Tigers legend Benji Marshall deteriorated after he dropped the five-eighth following the round four loss to the Gold Coast Titans.

But Maguire made no apologies when asked if he made unnecessary changes that ultimately led to the players, in a private team meeting, admitting they were “walking on eggshells” around their coach.

“I’ve come to the club to make it successful,” Maguire said. “Did I make change for stimulation last year? Yeah, I did. At times it worked, at times it didn’t. But if you keep doing the same you’ll end up the same. I think sometimes you have to be able to get people out of their comfort zone to go to another level.”

Some at the Wests Tigers last year - both in the playing group and head office - questioned Maguire’s stomach for the fight when reports emerged that he had thrown his hat in the ring for other jobs.

Maguire admits he questioned his ability to succeed in the task of turning the joint venture into the powerhouse it could be given its membership and junior nursery. But he insists that, in the end, it only strengthened his resolve.

"Along the way people are going to talk and chatter and ask questions," Maguire said of the speculation that he was looking for another job.

“Did I have thoughts around how large the challenges ahead of me were going to be? Definitely, I’m not going to lie about that. When I sat down and the Wests Tigers became a club that was available to come to, it was the one I actually wanted. I see the size of the club and the momentum that will get behind the Wests Tigers is enormous. I feel that’s coming.

"Have I seen the change as fast as I would have liked? Probably not. There are more challenges in this job than what I’ve experienced before, but we will make this club successful."

So you DID apply for the Cowboys job and the Walker Brothers weren't LYING ?????

Where does the article day that?

The part where he questions his ability to get this club / squad over the line

And also the fact people in the squad and other at the club questioned him .....

Still looking for the part that says "I applied for work at the cowboys...."
There's absolutely no connection. How on earth have you managed to join dots here?

I think it’s a Qld thing . Something about the Walker brothers stating that Madge applied for the job , which makes it hard for them to push into nrl . I don’t think it got any traction down here .

This has come from someone I've known for close to 40 years and has worked with the Walkers quite a while now

The Walkers asked who else was in the running ..one of the names mentioned was Madge ......originally I had assumed it was actually Kevie ...but he finally told me ....

Not doubting the walkers story . But could the guy who said that to them just be blowing thier own horn a bit. Like “this is a prestige job . We have premiership winning coaches applying like Madge , it’s going to be tough for you “. And it could be madges manager said what’s your offer to pry him away , as a tactic to get Madge paid here . Just an alternate scenario.

Or Madge got the poos with all the bull crap that goes on around the tigers . It was around the benji tantrum this came out wasn’t it ?

Madge would turn broncos around faster fashion than tigers

Much easier job , way more glory in being the guy who finally managed to awaken the real sleeping giant of the NRL. If we went on a storm / patriots run, I can only imagine how many people that would reach.

 

[Sully]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

He is a tool and carried on today, but I thought Robbo gave them a run for their money.
Whilst he can gloat about our poor recent record it will only take this year to shut his big mouth

What I found laughable was one of the news breaks has said Josh Aloiai claimed he never left the tigers for Money rather he always wanted to play under Des Hasler. What a crock.

 

[Spartan117]

Previous interview with Madge on SEN 1170

https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9yc3Mud2hvb3Noa2FhLmNvbS9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC9pZC8xMzMxNw&ep=14&episode=Yjc3YWM0NjctNzE2Yy00MDk5LTk3YWQtNjU3N2ZmY2FmNjE5

 

[Tiger_Steve]

I think we can almost put the Madge vs players stuff to bed. Sure, lazy journalists will trot it out when they need to get their ‘hits’ up but seriously, we have signed a lot of new talent and re-signed a number of good players. This is not happening if Madge is in the nose. Now I’m sure lazy trainers would not want to sign here - no dispute, but do we want that mindset at the club?

 

[frullens]

Of the players that left at the end of last year, who do you think were the senior players not buying in?
Obviously Benji, but who else?
JA?
Reynolds?
Eiso?
Taylor?

 

[cktiger]

Of the players that left at the end of last year, who do you think were the senior players not buying in?
Obviously Benji, but who else?
JA?
Reynolds?
Eiso?
Taylor?

Not Taylor.
The others?
Who knows for sure?

 

[frullens]

Of the players that left at the end of last year, who do you think were the senior players not buying in?
Obviously Benji, but who else?
JA?
Reynolds?
Eiso?
Taylor?

Not Taylor.
The others?
Who knows for sure?

I didn't think Taylor either, he seemed like a hard and honest worker

 

[rustycage]

Of the players that left at the end of last year, who do you think were the senior players not buying in?
Obviously Benji, but who else?
JA?
Reynolds?
Eiso?
Taylor?

Not Taylor.
The others?
Who knows for sure?

I didn't think Taylor either, he seemed like a hard and honest worker

Not Eiso either imo. He always seemed to give his all. Being hampered by dodgy knees probably capped his ceiling. I remember hearing that it was pretty incredible to get where he did given his injuries.

 

[Tigerbuck63]

Mr egg shells caused a lot of issues, they won't be a problem now, the club will be a far better performed club this year without him

That’s such crap aye . (The egg shells stuff not what you said ) . Benji literally twice , when facing the arse , went into promo mode . And he clearly took a couple of players with him to the circus . I bet most of those guys , if not all are on the departure list . It’s pretty much insinuated that the noise was coming from the old guys . Wow they really did think this was a retirement village . I’m so glad he got rid of them . As for the job looking stuff . Of course Madges manager looked around , he’s trying to get the best deal for his client , especially if his client has made it known to all and sundry that he wants to stay . He’s trying to create leverage and bargaining power.

Mbye and benji come to mind. Last year must have been a tough one for Madge.



What other clubs were available to him?

Agree they were the Main instigators also might throw Packer in there as well, unsure about Reynolds.
Madge was smart the way he also managed Robbie Farah in his last year and allowed him a last minute send off, if Marshall was whining Farah was not backing him,

 

[Spartan117]

Of the players that left at the end of last year, who do you think were the senior players not buying in?
Obviously Benji, but who else?
JA?
Reynolds?
Eiso?
Taylor?

Not Taylor.
The others?
Who knows for sure?

Totally agree. Not Elijah Taylor.

He is all.class and buolt his career on hard work.

 

[Spartan117]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

I'M with you there,and Peter Tunks,a brain dead forward, who cares?

Long time listener. No longer.

I have stopped based purly based on the dislike for tunks.

SEN1170 For.me

Check out the 2x Madge interviews with Jimmy Smith recently.

 

[Tiger5150]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

I'M with you there,and Peter Tunks,a brain dead forward, who cares?

Long time listener. No longer.

I have stopped based purly based on the dislike for tunks.

SEN1170 For.me

Check out the 2x Madge interviews with Jimmy Smith recently.

Same boat for me

 

[twentyforty]

Mr egg shells caused a lot of issues, they won't be a problem now, the club will be a far better performed club this year without him

That’s such crap aye . (The egg shells stuff not what you said ) . Benji literally twice , when facing the arse , went into promo mode . And he clearly took a couple of players with him to the circus . I bet most of those guys , if not all are on the departure list . It’s pretty much insinuated that the noise was coming from the old guys . Wow they really did think this was a retirement village . I’m so glad he got rid of them . As for the job looking stuff . Of course Madges manager looked around , he’s trying to get the best deal for his client , especially if his client has made it known to all and sundry that he wants to stay . He’s trying to create leverage and bargaining power.

Mbye and benji come to mind. Last year must have been a tough one for Madge.



What other clubs were available to him?

Agree they were the Main instigators also might throw Packer in there as well, unsure about Reynolds.
Madge was smart the way he also managed Robbie Farah in his last year and allowed him a last minute send off, if Marshall was whining Farah was not backing him,

I think a few people will come to the realisation sometime this year that we were dragging a ball and chain. It’s name was Marshall.

 

[Needaname]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

I'M with you there,and Peter Tunks,a brain dead forward, who cares?

Long time listener. No longer.

I have stopped based purly based on the dislike for tunks.

SEN1170 For.me

Check out the 2x Madge interviews with Jimmy Smith recently.

I flick a bit.
But cannot beat Joel and Fletch. Those two are the best!
And Edit.
Jimmy Smith and Katie were great whilst Vossy was on holidays.

Speaking of which, question to avid SEN listeners, does Jimmy Smith has his own segment during the day?

 

[Spartan117]

Speaking of which, question to avid SEN listeners, does Jimmy Smith has his own segment during the day?

He Certainly Does

https://www.sen.com.au/listen-live-sen-sydney/

Afternoons is the time slot

 

[the_third]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

I'M with you there,and Peter Tunks,a brain dead forward, who cares?

Long time listener. No longer.

I have stopped based purly based on the dislike for tunks.

SEN1170 For.me

Check out the 2x Madge interviews with Jimmy Smith recently.

Im a SEN convert.

 

[Russell]

Madge is not only asking the questions, he’s also answering them. 😝
Looks like we got ourselves a coach people!
I wonder who on the board asked Madge if he had the stomach for it? In my mind that is significant, and evidence of the organisations cultural shift. Certainly those who came before Madge and after Sheens didn’t have the stomach for it.

I think some did - they just didn't have the backing unfortunately.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

He's a grand sook that one. Has a hate on for Wests too for some reason.

 

[happy_tiger]

Off topic a bit but has anyone been listening to the dribble that Peter Tunks spews about Wests Tigers chances this year based on the fact that we let players go , our signings etc. I cant wait till we smash his doggies hopefully to put him and his club in place lol.

I'M with you there,and Peter Tunks,a brain dead forward, who cares?

Long time listener. No longer.

I have stopped based purly based on the dislike for tunks.

SEN1170 For.me

Check out the 2x Madge interviews with Jimmy Smith recently.


Im a SEN convert.

I'm not knocking anyone decisions on what radio you listen to ....but people in 2021 are going to write off our chances ...fans on here already are .....