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Wests Tigers, Michael Maguire, Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah, Tim Sheens, coaching

Wests Tigers, Michael Maguire, Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah, Tim Sheens, coaching

Former Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire has warned Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah about the “challenge” of coaching, with the pair set to begin their new roles next season.

The Tigers confirmed last month that legends Marshall and Farah would return to the club as assistant coaches next season, under famous coach Tim Sheens.

Former Kiwi Test star Marshall will then take over from Sheens in the top job for three seasons from 2025.

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Premiership winning coach Maguire is “looking forward” to seeing the famous duo reunite at the club where they both rose to fame, as they look to turn the Tigers around.

But speaking on The Back Page, ‘Madge’ also made sure to caution them about how difficult their new jobs can be.

“There’s many ways to do it so I’m looking forward to seeing how it plays out,” Maguire said on The Back Page.

“Coaching is about spending time and actually coaching. They’ve got a few rookies that are going to come through and it is going to be a great challenge for the guys that are coming through in Benji and Robbie.

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“I think they’re qualified because of the experiences they’ve had but coaching is not just about what happens there. It is life, it’s about the player and looking after the quality of each individual.

“It’s going to be a really good challenge for them.”

Wests started the season with five consecutive losses before record back-to-back wins over premiership contenders Parramatta and South Sydney.

But the veteran coach of 233 NRL games was later sacked as the club continued their underwhelming form, winning just one from their next five.

Major “Reboot” need for Knights – Buzz | 01:08

The Tigers were on another noteworthy losing run before their controversial loss to the Cowboys in Round 19, before bouncing back with an emphatic win over Brisbane last week.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Maguire said that his three-and-a-half-year tenure was a “great challenge.”

“I’m really fond of my time there, even though we didn’t get to where we wanted to get to and everyone wants to win a comp,” he said.

“But what I have learned over time and being in and around various clubs, is that we’re all working for the same thing but they’re so different.

“The makings of the club, where the club fits with their juniors to the recruiting to what goes on in the background, they’re all so different and that’s what us coaches enjoy, being able to bring that together to create the success.”

Maguire coached the World No. 1 Kiwis to a convincing 20-point win over Tonga in Auckland earlier this year, with rugby league returning to New Zealand.

With the World Cup just around the corner, the 48-year-old said that he’s focused on his role with New Zealand, but revealed that he wants to win another NRL premiership.

“I’ve taken a bit of a backwards step I guess. I’m just focused on the Kiwis and I’ve enjoyed that part because you don’t have the heat of the week-in, week-out. But I do miss that.

“That’s something that has always fueled myself, the challenge of each week. I’m starting to learn what it’s like to have the weekend and your family there because you’re so used to having to rise each week.

“I’m just sort of eyes wide open at the moment. I do love it [coaching] and I want to win another comp. To be in that arena is another desire.”

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Newcastle Knights, Adam O’Brien, David Klemmer future, news, latest, transfers, Sam Walker, Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell

Newcastle Knights, Adam O'Brien, David Klemmer future, news, latest, transfers, Sam Walker, Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell

The divide in the Newcastle dressing room has been simmering for the past few months with Knights coach Adam O’Brien telling the playing group after a recent loss: “I know what you blokes are saying about me. I’m going nowhere.”

The point blank message from O’Brien can be revealed as the Knights go into damage control in the wake of the coach’s loose carry press conference last Sunday.

O’Brien fronted the media again on Tuesday to try and walk things back off the cliff but by that stage the cracks in the Newcastle dressing room had been prized wide open.

The David Klemmer situation has only driven a further wedge into the struggling club which has only managed five wins out of 19 games this year.

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The Knights started this season full of optimism after back-to-back wins over the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers before going on a run of seven losses leading into Magic Round.

It’s been slim pickings since with Newcastle now having the worst defensive record in the NRL having leaked 522 points at an average of 27.47 points per game along with currently having the worst differential in the competition of minus 238 points.

There’s no question O’Brien’s penchant for a blow-up is wearing thin with elements of the Newcastle playing group.

The problem for O’Brien is in 2022 it’s so much easier to get rid of a head coach than it is to completely try and turn over a roster.

The old saying goes you’ve never really been a head coach until you’ve lost four games in a row and the heat is on – which is exactly where O’Brien finds himself now.

‘AT A TIPPING POINT’: Knights at a crossroads, O’Brien feels for running ‘soft ship’

David Klemmer’s future at Newcastle is clouded. NRL PHOTOSSource: The Daily Telegraph

The Knights are adamant O’Brien will remain as the head coach next season but the biggest immediate challenge the Newcastle coach faces is getting the playing group all back on the same page.

New Director of Football Peter Parr has arrived at Newcastle and could only be shaking his head at the bun fight he’s walked into.

O’Brien is signed with Newcastle until the end of 2024 which if the Knights stay the course would mean he’s had a five-year tenure at the club.

After the events of the past week it’s now become blatantly clear the Knights coach needs a fast start to next season to ensure his own job security.

Let’s call the Klemmer play from Newcastle for what it is – the Knights are clearly trying to free up some money to try and go in a different direction next season.

Klemmer is on $800,000-plus which would give Newcastle some serious money to go to the open market with.

Plenty of ex-players are happy to tell you middle forwards often protest against being dragged from the field.

Newcastle have clearly identified they no longer want the ex-NSW and Australian prop at the Knights and so have started the process of steering him towards another club.

Adam O’Brien has come under scrutiny this week. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

ROOSTERS MOVE TO LOCK UP WALKER

The Sydney Roosters are set to launch a multi-million dollar play aimed at keeping young gun halfback Sam Walker at the Tricolours long-term.

Walker, 20, will be a free agent for rival clubs to approach as of November 1 but like all the good clubs the Roosters will try and make sure they strike a deal well beforehand.

The other rookie who has everyone talking at the Chooks is emerging superstar Joseph Suaalii. The Roosters clearly value his contribution to the team at the point where champion frontrower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has been bringing him into leading the club’s team song over the past fortnight.

Jared has long been the Roosters leader in charge of leading the team song. Even after the Roosters were disappointed with their round 20 win over Manly, JWH still insisted on Suaalii riding shot gun with him leading the celebrations.

Nofoaluma vows to honor Tigers deal | 01:16

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DRAGONS CHASE ROOSTERS HOOKER

THE Gold Coast Titans aren’t the only club having a crack at signing Sydney Roosters hooker Sam Verrills.

The St George Illawarra Dragons are also making a play for the premiership-winning no.9.

Where it gets interesting is the Dragons have had a tough conversation with current hooker Andrew McCullough.

McCullough, 32, still has a year to run on his contract next season but the Red V are clearly exploring going in a different direction.

McCullough is one of the ex-Broncos clique of Dragons players who enjoys a close rapport with Red V coach Anthony Griffin.

The hooker, Dragons captain Ben Hunt and Josh Maguire all played in an under 20s grand finale with the Broncos in 2008 when Griffin was the coach.

‘This is what gives me the s****!’ | 02:04

FARAH GETS HANDS ON IN TIGERS FRONT OFFICE

The Wests Tigers putting the band back together with Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah is a smart play from the struggling club.

What’s equally as smart is Farah’s new contract stipulating that he’s also set to learn the ropes in terms of front office administration with the club.

The Tigers have long been laughed at by rival clubs about the way the club has been run.

Getting a figurehead like Farah who has bled for the club more hands-on in this department makes a lot of sense.

SOUTHS MOVE TO KEEP LATRELL, CODY AT REDFERN

We told you last week how South Sydney had a delicate $6 million balancing act on their hands around the re-signings of superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell and five-eighth star Cody Walker.

We were told there was a big chance the two key position players would wait until after November 1 to re-commit to South Sydney.

The Rabbitohs have swiftly moved to try and nip the scenario in the bud by meeting with the star duo earlier this week.

Both Latrell and Cody are off-contract at the end of next season but with talks progressing positively there’s every chance they can soon re-commit to the Bunnies.

It will be a huge coup for the red and green club and also for CEO Blake Solly.

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Sports

Luke Brooks, Tim Sheens, Wests Tigers, Benji Marshall, contract, future, transfers

Luke Brooks, Tim Sheens, Wests Tigers, Benji Marshall, contract, future, transfers

Incoming Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has confirmed he wants halfback Luke Brooks to remain at the club next season and beyond on a reduced contract.

The Daily Telegraph reported Sheens wants Brooks to see out the remainder of his contract which expires at the end of 2023, before signing an extension on a reduced salary.

Speculation is rife that the Tigers were keen to move Brooks on given his salary is worth a reported $1.3 million on their salary cap for 2023.

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Brooks reportedly twice sought a release from the remainder of his contract last season to move to the Knights, despite denials from the No.7.

The 27-year-old, who is currently injured, has scored 42 tries in 189 games for the Tigers since his debut in 2013, but has never tasted finals football during a tough period for the club, who have the longest finals drought in the NRL stretching back to 2011.

Brooks has been linked to the Dolphins and the Knights for 2023, but Sheens, who will take over the team for 2023 and 2024, wants him to stay, but on a reduced deal.

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Tim Sheens wants Luke Brooks to stay.Source: Supplied

“Obviously everyone would prefer it to be at less money,” Sheens told The Daily Telegraph.

“But we can sit down and negotiate with him and extend the contract out.”

Sheens categorically denied the club were looking to move Brooks on to free up salary cap space for 2023.

“On the record, he’s contracted,” Sheens said.

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Luke Brooks and Benji Marshall.Source: AAP

“Point blank. He is contracted to us and I expect him to turn up for pre-season training.”

Jock Madden starred in Brooks’ absence in a win over the Broncos in Round 20, but remains unsigned beyond 2022, while the club also has Adam Doueihi and Jackson Hastings on their books for next season.

Sheens and incoming assistant Benji Marshall have publicly thrown their support behind the embattled playmaker, but the former refused to guarantee Brooks would finish his career at the Tigers.

Tigers shock Broncos in Brisbane | 02:27

“Unless the world changes, that’s what I’m doing (trying to get Brooks to stay),” Sheens said.

“Can I ever (guarantee he’ll stay)? Not one can. But I’m not indicating he’s leaving.

“I like the kid and I want him in the side. Benji loves him and wants him in the side. But we can’t say any more than that.”

Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis also threw his support behind Brooks.

“A guarantee is not a word that I use comfortably in my capacity as chairman or as a lawyer, but Luke Brooks has a contract with the Wests Tigers for 2023,” Hagipantelis told Fox Sports News.

“Tim Sheens spoke publicly in the last 24 hours of his intentions to retain him. We are all big fans of Luke.

“He is a one club player. I would love to see him finish out his career at the Wests Tigers.

“Are there challenges there for both parties? Perhaps. Both have identified those.

“But the reality is he is a truly gifted footballer and I would love to see him perform at his best for the Wests Tigers.”

Hagipantelis clarified that there would be no pay cut for Brooks’ existing contract and it would be up to the club and the player to meet in the middle over a contract extension.

“There will be no pay cut concerned with his current contractual arrangements,” Hagipantelis said.

‘Not a fan’ Chairman shares frustrations | 10:15

“He will be paid in full. We will honor that. I think Tim was alluding to the end of the current contractual arrangements.

“Those are matters for the club and the player to negotiate what they think is a fair market value.

“It is always up in the air. There is an underlying tension of course. Players want to receive as much as they can, which is understandable and clubs want to pay as little as they can, which is of course just as understandable.

“At the moment those discussions have not been held. There is a long way to go.

“Tim Sheens, Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah are assimilating themselves into the roster at the moment. They will decide moving forward.

Is O’Brien under pressure at Knights? | 05:59

“Unfortunately the injuries to Luke and Jackson Hastings have thrown a little spanner into the works because I know the boys were very keen to see the combinations work for the balance of this year. But they will work it out.”

However, like Sheens, Hagipantelis left the door ajar for Brooks to potentially move on in the future if it suited both him and the club.

“Never say never because every option would be considered on its merits at the time,” Hagipantelis said when asked if he would consider an offer from another club for Brooks’ services.

“But as we speak at this very moment there is nothing on the table. There is no consideration. There is nothing before me or the board to suggest Luke Brooks will not fulfill his contractual obligations with the Wests Tigers and nothing would make me happier.”

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