@jadtiger said in [Signing Suggestions & Rumours](/post/1277655) said:
@TigerTone said in [Signing Suggestions & Rumours](/post/1277649) said:
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-to-sign-coach-michael-maguire-to-new-deal/news-story/73a77c5abc8b8e518ec0f288ce545efc
As if anyone would want to give murdoch money
I got a subscription bypass extension thankfully
😛
Wests Tigers are set to finalise a contract extension with Michael Maguire in coming days as the premiership-winning coach continues to spend the off-season reshaping his roster and crucially, his salary cap.
Maguire has been locked in talks with the Tigers for some time but sources confirmed a deal was likely to be announced this week, possibly as early as Monday.
Maguire has been at the helm of the Tigers for two years but his hands have been tied to a large extent by a salary cap that was woefully bent out of shape.
The tide is finally starting to turn. Five-eighth Josh Reynolds, whose mega-deal was like a millstone around the club’s neck, looks to be on the move after Hull FC identified him as a recruit for next season.
Reynolds is expected to inform his teammates on Monday that he will be leaving for Super League, freeing up significant amounts of money for the Tigers to strengthen their roster for 2021.
Hull FC, coached by former Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson, initially made a play for former Tigers star Benji Marshall. However, when Marshall knocked them back, The Weekend Australian foreshadowed that they could make a move for Reynolds and that is exactly what Hodgson has done.
Reynolds had one year remaining on his deal with the Tigers but Hull FC offered an additional two years and the former NSW five-eighth made the decision to accept the lucrative deal, ending a tumultuous time at the Tigers for the 31-year-old.
The Tigers signed Reynolds at the end of 2017 but he only managed 21 games in his three seasons at the club, his time decimated by injury and unsavoury allegations involving his former partner.
Reynolds was later cleared by the NRL and the courts, having been the victim of an elaborate set-up. However, he failed to make an impact for the club and has now moved on, releasing some of the shackles on Maguire and the club as they attempt to play finals football again.
The Tigers have had a busy off-season, allowing Josh Aloiai to leave and signing Brisbane and Queensland forward Joe Ofahengaue in his place. They have also signed Penrith flyer Daine Laurie for 2022, although they haven’t given up hope of procuring him a year ahead of schedule.
It is understood the Panthers would consider letting Laurie leave his contract 12 months ahead of schedule dependent on what happens with his Penrith teammate Josh Mansour.
The Panthers have given Mansour permission to leave and the Tigers are interested, although the club’s and Mansour’s camp are believed to be haggling over how the deal will play out.
Reynolds’ departure will mean either Adam Douehi or Moses Mbye play five-eighth for the Tigers next season, unless of course they use their salary cap space to sign another player.
Maguire at least has some blue sky. Reynolds signed a four-year deal worth in excess of $3 million when he joined the Tigers, having fallen out of favour at the Bulldogs. He never rediscovered his Origin form and failed to secure a regular starting spot in the halves under Maguire.
There was talk at one point last season that he could return to Canterbury but the deal fell through and he looked set to play out his contract at the Tigers.
Instead, he will spend his final days as a footballer in England, where his instinctive and off-the-cuff style would seem ideal for Super League.