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Tigers extend Maguire deal until 2023

3 minute read

Wests Tigers have re-signed Michael Maguire, extending the coach's contract by a further two NRL seasons.

Rabbitohs coach MICHAEL MAGUIRE.
Rabbitohs coach MICHAEL MAGUIRE. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Michael Maguire has become just the second coach in Wests Tigers history to be re-signed after the club confirmed his two-year extension on Thursday.

In a rare show of faith from the Tigers, Maguire is the first coach since Tim Sheens to be re-signed in the club's 21-year NRL history.

His new deal until the end of 2023 will also make him the second-longest serving coach since Sheens, who was the last man to take the club to the finals back in 2011.

Ending a string of one-contract terms for coaches since premiership-winning Sheens left the club in 2012, Maguire's contract confirms the club's ambitions to end a finals drought in 2021.

"The extension of Michael's contract affirms our faith in him as the coach that Wests Tigers needs to continue to move forward," said Tigers chair Lee Hagipantelis.

"He is completely aligned with our passion for the club and is absolutely committed to its long-term and sustained success.

"Michael represents all of the qualities that identify the Wests Tigers - that is hard work, passion and an insatiable drive to succeed."

Previous coaches Michael Potter, Jason Taylor and Ivan Cleary all lasted less than two seasons at the club before Maguire arrived in 2019.

Maguire's two seasons in charge of the club have ended in ninth and 11th-place finishes.

And while the finals drought has not yet been broken, big changes to the roster and a turnover of senior players including Benji Marshall and Chris Lawrence is expected to revive the side in 2021.

"We've put a lot of work in over the last couple of years and I'm seeing plenty of change for the club to move forward in a big way," Maguire said.

"We're all not happy with where we've been and everything we do now is about moving us forward towards a premiership.

"I love the people here and the passion around the organisation."

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