The South Sydney Rabbitohs have extended the contract of head coach Michael Maguire until the end of the 2017 season.
Maguire has won 36 of his 53 matches as head coach of the club over 2012 and 2013 for a winning percentage of 68%, having previously won a Super League title as head coach of Wigan in 2010. Before that he spent five years at the Storm as assistant coach, with the club reaching four consecutive grand finals.
“Michael’s commitment for the next four years should inspire all of our members and supporters that a great era for our club beckons," Rabbitohs club Chairman Nicholas Pappas said in a statement.
Maguire says he’s pleased to have re-signed "and to have the opportunity to continue to work on everything we’ve been doing for an extended period."
“My staff and I are very dedicated to making sure we get the best performances out of the team every week, and the boys have shown that same dedication and commitment so far throughout the pre-season.
“I also see Souths Juniors as a major part of our organisation moving forward and the implementation of the various programs to help develop our juniors into the next generation of Rabbitohs.
“To our Members, I really appreciate everything that they’re doing for us as a Club. We want to keep enjoying the ride alongside our Members and keep working hard to achieve the goals we’ve set ourselves as a group.
“We’ve got a way to go to get to where we want to be and we’re working extremely hard to reach those goals.
“It’s great to be a part of the Rabbitohs family.”
Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson also expressed his support for the new deal.
“Michael is one of the best young coaches in the NRL and we couldn’t be happier that he has committed to the Club for the next four seasons,” Richardson said.
“The changes Michael has implemented here in his first two years as Head Coach have done wonders for our football programs, and we are looking forward to working with him on the continuing improvements we are looking to make, both on and off the field.
“He has the respect of our players, staff, board of directors, corporate partners and Members and we’re pleased that he will be part of the Rabbitohs family for at least the next four years.”