Wests Tigers: Journalist names the man lined up to replace Michael Maguire

Former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is being lined up to replace Michael Maguire at Wests Tigers, while his son Kyle could also could also join, reports are claiming.

The Tigers have had a torrid start to the NRL season when losing their opening four games. Maguire’s men showed plenty of fight in the 8-6 loss to the Titans on Thursday. But the performance did nothing to put out the rumours of unrest.

Maguire remains in a job for now but the pressure continues to mount. And according to the Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent, there is already a plan to replace Maguire if he leaves.

Wests Tigers rumours hot up

Kent reports that Shane Flanagan has been lined up and a deal could be in place. All that needs to happen is for Maguire to lose his job. The Tigers coach told the media this week that he has no intention of quitting. That would mean the powers that be pulling the trigger.

They have yet to do so but Kent believes a contingency plan is in place.

“It has gained some fresh heat,” Kent wrote. “Some insist the deal is done and all that is left for Flanagan to take over as head coach is to wait for Maguire to be sacked.”

Meanwhile speculation over the future of Luke Brooks rumbles on. The halfback is said to be unsettled at the club and has been linked with a move away.

Newcastle Knights have been mentioned as one possible destination but Kent suggests another. He reports a swap deal could be on the cards with the Canterbury Bulldogs for Kyle Flanagan.

Flanagan up for grabs

Flanagan is out of the first-grade picture at Belmore. He is currently playing reserve footy and seems to be in limbo.

A swap deal would be a fresh start for both players and would make sense. But whether it comes off is another matter.

Maguire has spoken out in support of Brooks and says he is working hard to put things right.

“He has just got to keep committed to his training and keep playing the way he is. And look for areas of his game that he can improve every day, which I know he does every single day he trains,” Maguire said. “If he keeps doing that he will get to where he wants to get to.”

Wests Tigers are next in action when they face the Sharks a week on Sunday. Another loss and it could be the final straw.