Incoming South Sydney coach Michael Maguire must decide on future of eight off-contract Rabbitohs
Incoming South Sydney coach Michael Maguire will be forced to show an immediate ruthless streak to kick-start a Rabbitohs club spluttering along since its re-admission back in 2002.
Eight South Sydney players are off contract at the end of this season, including big names John Sutton, Chris Sandow, Nathan Merritt and Rhys Wesser. And within 18 months, Maguire will have to decide the futures of Eddy Pettybourne, Dave Taylor, Ben Ross, Michael Crocker and Ben Lowe.
Maguire is yet to be confirmed as Souths coach but a three-year deal - worth about $1 million - is expected to be announced this week.
Maguire, 37, will earn every cent trying to decide who to re-sign - and who to sack.
"He will want to come in and stamp his authority on the club," Souths legend Mario Fenech said.
"Like all new coaches, he will have his own feel, his own style, his own likes and dislikes.
"No matter what he does, I am sure the club will support him.
"If the playing group are successful, their chances of being re-signed will be better. It's simple."
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One source close to the Souths camp said Maguire's mandate will be to "shake up the playing group".
Other Rabbitohs players off contract this season include Beau Falloon, Dave Tyrrell, Scott Geddes and Luke Stuart. Injured front-row stalwart Stuart is expected to to retire.
Souths officials hope they can shortly announce the retention of wing flyer Merritt to a three-year deal.
Sandow's manager David Riolo said: "Souths will have a new coach who is proven in Super League and has come from a good program at Melbourne. He will have his own ideas but I think Chris Sandow would be good for him and Michael would be good for Chris."
In England, Maguire and Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan refused to speculate on the coach's move.
Maguire, who guided Wigan to the club's first Super League title in 12 years, became Souths' No. 1 choice after Wayne Bennett rejected the Rabbitohs in favour of Newcastle.
Maguire was a former assistant to Country Origin coach Laurie Daley.
"Michael has all aspects of coaching covered," Fox Sports commentator Daley said. "He is very analytical and is exceptional at dissecting the opposition. He can create game plans to suit."
Asked how his former Storm assistant would perform as an NRL head coach, Craig Bellamy said:
"He has done a great job at Wigan.
"If he takes the position, I think he will do a wonderful job."
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