Maguire will soon find new NRL gig: Farah

Oct 12, 2017 - 6:46 AM South Sydney hooker Robbie Farah says he was shocked to learn of the sacking of Rabbitohs' NRL coach Michael Maguire, but expects him to find another post quickly,

Maguire, who in 2014 led Souths to their first top-grade title in 43 years, parted company with the Rabbitohs shortly after the end of a disappointing 2017 campaign

After reaching the finals in their first four seasons under Maguire, Souths finished 12th in 2016 and 2017, winning just nine games in each season.

Former long-serving Wests Tigers forward Farah recently completed his first season at Souths, where he was dropped to the bench for several games by Maguire.

About to represent Lebanon in the World Cup, Farah revealed he had spoken to Maguire since his departure from Souths.

Asked if he was shocked by the decision, Farah on Thursday said "definitely, we were preparing for next season and he was as well," he said.

"We had player reviews on the Monday and Tuesday with Madge (Maguire) and as far as we knew, we were preparing for next season with him as coach.

"It came as a shock to everyone and I've spoken to him since and let him know how sorry I felt for him.

"He's a great man Madge, he's a champion guy and a great coach.

"I've got no doubt he'll find a job in the near future because a coach like that doesn't stay out of the game for too long."

Maguire has been replaced by his assistant Anthony Seibold, who has also been assistant coach of the Queensland State of Origin team for the past two years.

Seibold previously held assistant coaching jobs with Melbourne Storm, Manly, the Junior Kangaroos and clubs in the northern hemisphere Super League.

"Seebs knows the system, he was there as our assistant coach this year," Farah said.

"As a playing group I guess we understand what he's like and we've worked with him this year, so it won't be too much of a transition

"Obviously it's going to be a learning curve for him, his first time as a (NRL) head coach, but we've got full faith he can come in and do the job."

Source: AAP