NRL: Kiwis coach Michael Maguire set to sign with Wests Tigers

  • 26/10/2018

Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has accepted a three-year deal to guide the Wests Tigers, according to reports.

NRL.com says the Tigers are finalising the release of Ivan Cleary, before they can put pen to paper with Maguire.

Maguire is currently with the NZ Kiwis in Wigan, helping them prepare for the first of three tests against England, starting on Sunday (NZ time).

He has a clause in his contract that will enable him to coach in the NRL, along with the national side.

The 44-year-old would replace Cleary, who is expected to be confirmed as the Panthers' new coach on a five-year deal in coming days.

Cleary previously coached the Panthers between 2012-15. 

The news comes after the South Sydney Rabbitohs confirmed on Thursday they had signed Wayne Bennett for 2020 on a two-year deal, with current Bunnies mentor Anthony Seibold the frontrunner to replace him at the Broncos.

Broncos and England coach Wayne Bennett.
Broncos and England coach Wayne Bennett. Photo credit: AAP

After growing tired of waiting for Seibold to accept a contract that had been on the table since June, Souths pounced on Bennett, who had been told by the Broncos he was not wanted in Brisbane after 2019.

"Wayne is one of the best - if the not the best - rugby league coaches of all-time and we are excited to see what he can bring to our club," said Souths head of football Shane Richardson.

"His football record is second to none and his reputation as a leader is also of the highest order.   

"Here, he will have the opportunity to work with some of the best senior and up-and-coming talent in the game, which, from our discussions over the past few weeks, I know he is excited about.   

"Anthony [Seibold] has done a great job at our club over the past two years, however his hesitance to extend his contract with us, an offer that has been on the table since June, led the club to explore other options."   

Bennett has a close relationship with Sam, George and Tom Burgess, having coached them with the England national side since 2016.

"I'm truly humbled by the opportunity to coach the South Sydney Rabbitohs," Bennett said.   

"Souths is one of the iconic clubs in the game. I didn't think I would get this opportunity, but that opportunity has now come for 2020 and 2021."   

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