Coaching Insider: Round 10

Wests Tigers Coach Michael Maguire says the 'little things' have been the focus this week as his team prepares for Sunday's Magic Round clash against North Queensland. 

The team heads into the Round ten match-up after back to back losses to St George Illawarra and Manly but Maguire says he's been impressed with his players' intensity over the past month.

With the Captain’s Run done, we caught up with Madge this morning in Concord before the team headed for Brisbane.

He says the squad is looking forward to the trip, and is ready to do a job, “Obviously with Magic Round it’s a special occasion and a bit of extra hype but it’s also important for us to get back to the winners’ circle."

We must be really strong defensively. We’re aware of what they can do but we’re also aware of what we can do."

That’s the key, making sure we’re doing what we do well, for long periods of time.  The big focus for us has been around the little things this week.”

Michael Maguire

Luciano Leilua has shrugged off a hamstring strain which saw him miss last week’s loss at Manly.

Maguire says his hard-running edge forward has worked around the clock to get himself right, “ We all know what Luciano is capable of.  

He’s had some challenges with his body over the past month. It’s a real credit to him on how he’s got himself ready to play and he wanted to get back for this game.”

Leilua and co.  will be up against arguably one of the form packs of the competition, with the likes of Jason Taumalolo leading the way. 

Maguire says his own middle-men have been more than holding their own in recent weeks. 

I’ve been really pleased with how the forwards have been forming combinations and how together they are. That’s something that every team needs.”

Michael Maguire

That’s going to be the battle, in the middle of the park to be able to give Jacko (Jackson Hastings) and Brooksie (Luke Brooks) the opportunities with Star (Staford To’a) out the back.”

To’a will play his third match in a row in the number one jersey following a knee injury to Daine Laurie.

Maguire says the 21-year-old is learning more by the week, “He’s now played two or three more games back there so he’s starting to really learn his trade out the back. I’m looking forward to getting the spine together.”

Match Details:

Date - Sunday, 15th May, 2022

Time - 6:25 pm AEDT

Venue - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

TV, Radio and Live Stream Information:

TV - FOX League (Ch. 502)

Radio - Triple M 104.9, ABC Grandstand 702, SEN 1170.

Live Stream - KAYO Sports, Watch NRL (int.)