Paul Deacon jokes he “still has nightmares” about the infamous pre-season training sessions orchestrated by Michael Maguire in 2010. These sessions, particularly those at Haigh Hall near Deacon’s home, were no laughing matter. Maguire, known for his intense coaching style, was taking over as head coach of the Wigan Warriors, replacing the former Great Britain coach Brian Noble. The Warriors were in need of a transformation, and Maguire was the man for the job.
Pat Richards, a key player for Wigan between 2006 and 2013, recalls the very first session under Maguire at Haigh Hall. It was the start of the 2010 pre-season, and the players were unsure what to expect from the new coach. Maguire, who had been an assistant coach under Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm, was relatively unknown to the team. Sean O’Loughlin, a Wigan legend with over 450 games to his name, admitted Maguire was “a bit of an unknown to us.”
What they encountered was a pre-season described by Deacon as “horrific.” The players endured eight weight sessions a week and ran countless kilometers. Deacon vividly recalls running five kilometers through the forests surrounding Haigh Hall, resting for only five minutes, and then running another five kilometers. The sessions were grueling, with Maguire observing from the bushes, ensuring no one slacked off.
The Rigorous Regimen
Following the initial training sessions, the players were subjected to two army camps, which Deacon described as “both as horrific as each other.” The first camp in Lancashire was tough, but the second in Scotland was particularly brutal, involving push-ups on snow-covered concrete and 20-kilometer hikes with backpacks full of bricks. Despite the harsh conditions, the players acknowledged the necessity of such training.
O’Loughlin noted that while it was a “tough time,” it was something the team needed and wanted. Maguire’s approach was a “breath of fresh air,” bringing a level of discipline and commitment that the team had been lacking. Under Maguire, Wigan’s culture began to shift, with players holding each other accountable and striving for success.
Transforming Wigan’s Culture
Maguire was Wigan’s 11th coach since the switch to a summer Super League in 1996, a period marked by St Helens usurping Wigan’s dominance. Wigan had won the Super League and Challenge Cup only once since 1996, suffering humiliating defeats, including a 75-0 loss to St Helens in 2005. James Graham, a St Helens icon, remarked on Wigan’s struggles and the impact of Maguire’s appointment.
Within a year, Maguire led Wigan to its first Super League title since 1998, lifting the trophy at Old Trafford. His influence extended beyond the team, transforming the club’s culture and impacting the game in England. Deacon praised Maguire for changing the work ethic and mindset at Wigan, stating, “He transformed Wigan and in my opinion, he transformed the game over here as well.”
The Emotional Connection
One story that encapsulates Maguire’s dedication involved Deacon and teammates Sam Tomkins and Cameron Phelps getting into a car accident on the way to training. Maguire insisted on picking them up himself, emphasizing the importance of commitment. This anecdote illustrates Maguire’s intense yet caring nature, fostering a sense of unity and accountability within the team.
“He changed the culture of the club without a shadow of a doubt,” Deacon said. “The work ethic, the mindset, he transformed Wigan.”
Legacy and Impact
Maguire’s tenure at Wigan was marked by a focus on defensive discipline and a rigorous training regimen, inspired by his time with the Melbourne Storm. His emphasis on wrestling and physicality set a new standard in the Super League, with Wigan becoming the most disciplined team in terms of errors and tackles.
Graham noted Wigan’s transformation under Maguire, stating, “He really brought that defensive attitude to that Wigan side.” Maguire’s approach was uncompromising, setting a high standard for the team and demanding excellence from every player.
By the end of the 2010 season, Wigan had reclaimed its identity, becoming a formidable force in the Super League. Maguire’s methods, though intense, were effective, leading the Warriors to their first grand final in seven years and ultimately to victory against St Helens.
A Lasting Bond
Even after leaving Wigan to coach the Rabbitohs and later the Broncos, Maguire’s impact on his former players remains. A WhatsApp group created by the 2010 Wigan team is still active, with Maguire as a member. The group shares memories, jokes, and messages of support, a testament to the enduring bonds formed under Maguire’s leadership.
As Maguire prepares to lead another team to a grand final, his legacy at Wigan endures. His transformative influence on the club and the game in England is a testament to his dedication and vision as a coach. The memories of that first Super League title and the journey to get there will remain with Maguire and his players for a lifetime.
