Maguire believes Magic Round can be a launching pad for side

Wests Tigers Coach Michael Maguire believes his side’s convincing win over the Newcastle Knights at Magic Round can be a launching pad for the remainder of the season.

Maguire’s men scored six tries as they dominated the opening game of the weekend to record their third win of the season.

Maguire was more than pleased with his team’s performance and hopes they can build on the dominant performance in the coming weeks.

“Things are starting to grow. I’ve been saying I believe in this team and that’s the reason I believe in the team, but now we need to grow to the next level and back it up — do it consistently,” Maguire said after the game.  

“I know that performance is in the boys and we need to make sure we replicate it in the games ahead.

“I’ve always said cohesion comes in time and I see that now. I keep telling my players not to worry what’s going on around them but concentrate on what we can do.”

Maguire's decision to switch Moses Mbye to the halves and Adam Doueihi to the centres proved a masterstroke as both players excelled in their new positions at Suncorp Stadium.

“Adam is a very good five-eighth, but I see a major strength of Adam being his running game,” the coach said.

“I thought if I could bring Moses in, he could be the ballplayer to the outside. I have Luc [Leilua] and Adam as strong runners.”

“It was good to see Moses enjoy his footy. There’s heat here at certain times, and deservedly so, but it was nice to see a happy change room.”