Maguire in the frame as Sea Eagles go cold on Carty
Michael Maguire had some form of contact with Manly on four occasions in the past week as the club goes cold on the idea of appointing assistant John Cartwright to replace Trent Barrett, who is at war with the Sea Eagles and certain to leave.
Maguire is considered the best coach available to slot into a club that needs reshaping. If he had his way, there is no question Maguire would take the Broncos coaching job when that comes up. He may have to take Manly instead.
Maguire is a good judge of a footballer. He can see potential in the Manly squad. There is a lot to like about the playing group.
The first and most pressing issue facing the Sea Eagles is the position of the Trbojevic brothers, Jake and Tom. They are not happy with Barrett’s treatment, but were happy Cartwright was set to take over. They will need to be sold on Maguire, if he is interested.
The Trbojevics are the most important figures in the future of the Sea Eagles. A year ago, if you had asked either of the brothers if they would ever think about leaving Manly, they would have ridiculed the idea. Now there is discussion that they need to be talked to so they can be shored up.