South Sydney Rabbitohs fans have expressed their division over Michael Maguire and his tenure as Souths coach but the board have opted to re-sign him until the end of the 2019 season.
Winning a premiership in 2014, Maguire is regarded as one of the elite coaches in the game at present. He also enjoyed success during a Super League stint with the Wigan Warriors.
The current extension of his deal will take his tenure as Souths coach to 8 years equal with club legend Jack Rayner and behind only Clive Churchill (10 seasons) and Charlie Lynch (11 seasons).
Aiming for further premiership success, Souths General Manager of Football Shane Richardson is confident in Maguire’s ability to succeed further.
“Michael has enjoyed great success as a coach including leading our team to the 2014 NRL Premiership, and we’re certain that he is the man to lead the team back to the top,” Mr Richardson said.
“The Club has been working hard to sign our elite player group for the long term to create stability and Michael’s signing gives us a great leader to take this group of young men to the top.
“He’s a fantastic manager of people, has a sharp football brain, is a great family man, and we know he is the best coach to take South Sydney forward.”
Maguire is pleased to remain as the coach of the club, one that he has grown with over the years.
“I’ve loved every minute of coaching this side and being part of this Club. I believe in this playing group and I believe in this organisation,” Coach Maguire said.
“Everyone at this Club knows what it takes to be successful, everyone knows the hard work that’s in front of them and everyone is hungry to achieve success, and that’s something we’ve built up over the past five years.
“We all want to return to the top end of the ladder and we’re dedicated to achieving that this season and into the future.”
He praised the players, the fans, the organisation and the junior system that the club has in place and looks forward to both continuing and developing relationships across those mediums.
“I have a committed group of players, coaches and support staff that are prepared to work harder than ever before to achieve the results we want to achieve,” said Maguire.
“We have great relationships with Souths Juniors and the North Sydney Bears in creating the pathways we need to keep this Club successful in the coming seasons.
“I really enjoy seeing the way the Club and the team connect with our community and seeing how proud people are of our team. Being able to put something back into the community and put smiles on people’s faces is something very special.”
He was also grateful for the club giving him the initial opportunity and he looks forward to what lies ahead for him at the club.
“We also have a great connection with our corporate partners, and most importantly our Members, who ride this wave with us each and every season,” said Maguire.
“I’m very grateful for the commitment that everyone makes to this Club and I can’t wait to see what we can all achieve together over the coming years.
“My family and I couldn’t be happier to know that we are staying here at this Club which has become our home.”