Paul Deacon jokes he “still has nightmares” every time he walks the dog. But Michael Maguire’s pre-season training sessions in 2010 were no joke. The infamous sessions at Haigh Hall, near Deacon’s home, were particularly grueling. The Warriors’ 2010 pre-season under Maguire, who had apprenticed under Craig Bellamy in Melbourne, was a turning point for the team.
Pat Richards, a former Tigers premiership hero, recalls the first session under Maguire at Haigh Hall. It was the beginning of a transformative period for Wigan, with Maguire taking over from former Great Britain coach Brian Noble. While the players knew of Maguire’s time at the Storm, he was largely an unknown entity.
“I suppose no one really knew who Madge was,” Richards said. Sean O’Loughlin, a Wigan legend, admitted Maguire was “a bit of an unknown to us.” Deacon, the only other new face at Wigan alongside Maguire, described the pre-season as “horrific.”
The Intensity of Maguire’s Regimen
Deacon recalled doing eight weight sessions a week and running countless kilometers. He vividly remembers the five kilometers they ran through Haigh Hall’s forests, resting only five minutes before repeating the run. “Madge was there watching us hiding in the bushes,” Richards laughed. “The boys were absolutely cooked.”
After these runs, they went straight into wrestling sessions. “From the very first session, everyone realized that a level had just gone up,” Richards said. This was followed by two army camps, one in Lancashire and the other in Scotland, which were equally brutal.
“Both as horrific as each other,” Deacon cackled.
These sessions were not just about physical endurance. They were about mental toughness and building a team ethos. O’Loughlin noted, “He was a breath of fresh air to everyone.” The tough pre-season was something the playing group needed and wanted.
Reviving Wigan’s Legacy
Maguire was Wigan’s 11th coach since the switch to a summer Super League in 1996, a period during which archrivals St Helens had overshadowed them. Wigan had only won the Super League and Challenge Cup once since 1996, with humiliating defeats like the 75-0 loss to St Helens in 2005.
“That was unheard of, like absolutely unheard of,” said James Graham, a former St Helens player.
Within a year, Maguire had transformed Wigan, leading them to their first Super League title since 1998. “The turnaround was incredible really,” Graham said. Maguire’s impact extended beyond the DW Stadium, as he changed the culture and work ethic of the club.
Building a Winning Culture
Deacon shared a story that encapsulates Maguire’s approach. During a harsh winter, Deacon’s car was stuck, and after an accident, Maguire personally picked him up to ensure he attended training. “There was no missing training with Madge,” Deacon said.
Maguire’s intensity was matched by his commitment. He demanded the best from his players and led by example. Radlinski, Wigan’s CEO, recalled training sessions where Maguire’s attention to detail created a self-policing system among players.
“He said, ‘I thought we were committed to each other. I asked you to do 20 press-ups, why are you only doing 18?’”
This approach fostered a culture where players held each other accountable. Maguire’s influence extended beyond the field, instilling values that players carried into their personal lives.
The Impact Beyond Wigan
When Maguire took over Wigan in October 2009, the team had been overshadowed by St Helens. However, under his leadership, Wigan regained their dominance. Maguire emphasized defensive discipline, a hallmark of his coaching style.
“He really brought that defensive attitude to that Wigan side,” Graham said.
Maguire introduced the art of wrestling from his time at the Storm, transforming Wigan’s playing style. The team became known for their physicality and defensive prowess, making the fewest errors and missing the fewest tackles in their 2010 championship season.
Wigan’s success under Maguire was not just about winning titles; it was about identity. “We were never going to get beat by a lot of points. If somebody’s going to beat us, they’ll have to earn it,” Radlinski said.
A Legacy of Success
As Maguire prepares to lead another team to a grand final, he may reflect on his first triumph with Wigan. The bonds formed during that time remain strong, with players still connected through a WhatsApp group.
Despite criticisms of Maguire’s methods, his results speak for themselves. Richards noted the Broncos are now “buying into it,” playing a strong brand of football.
Radlinski acknowledged the intensity of Maguire’s environment but emphasized the fun and camaraderie it fostered. “Intensity brings success, and then success means you want it more,” he said.
Through shared sacrifices, Maguire and his players forged unbreakable bonds. “It was like two worlds collided with Madge and Wigan,” Deacon added. “He was the character that the club needed.”
As Maguire leads his current team, the memories of his first grand final victory remain vivid, a testament to the enduring impact of his transformative coaching journey.
