Coaching Insider: Round 25

Although some would see Sunday’s game against the Bulldogs as just a formality, Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire believes the Round 25 clash is another opportunity to send the club in the right direction.

As well as giving a number of youngsters a chance to shine at the top level, the entire playing group has another occasion to show what they’re building.

“Our eyes are on this game and it’s very important to us — we want to go out there and finish on the right note,” Maguire said.

“We’re a team that’s continually working hard to move forward and this is our next opportunity to do that.

“We’ve got a lot of fans and family watching and this is the next step of building into what we want to be.”

Maguire admits the 2021 season didn’t go to plan as he had hoped, however he believes the club is moving in the right direction — and said the organisation has a long-term focus.

“Everyone wants success — that’s what we want,” the coach said.

“We’ve looked at the organisation and we know where we need to improve on every day.

“We’ve got to act, believe and see what needs to happen at the top level, and we’ve got to strive to be one of those top teams.

“We’ve looked long term for what the organisation needs. The short term can be what some people focus on. I came to the club with the mindset to play the longer game to make sure we can build the longevity of the Wests Tigers. I know need to prepare this team to be a top four team.

“The thing I know about this group is that if we continue to prepare the right way and get our focus on what we need to do, that will propel us to where we need to get to.”

The coach also confirmed Moses Mbye won’t feature in Sunday’s match due to concussion, ending the departing playmaker’s time at Wests Tigers.

“Moses won’t be playing — he’s been ruled out — so Zac Cini will be coming into fullback,” Maguire confirmed.

“Moses is definitely upset. As a player, you want to be playing with his teammates. It was a big decision.

“It was a big decision for him. It would’ve been nice to have him out there for one last game, but it’ll give young Zac Cini the opportunity to go out there and show what he’s about.”