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Maguire favourite for Wigan job
Rugby League, 11:33, October 5, 2009 ,
Melbourne Storm assistant Michael Maguire has emerged as the favourite to succeed Brian Noble at Super League side Wigan.
Noble will sever his ties with the Warriors next month after watching his side crash out of the play-offs 14-10 to rivals St Helens on Saturday.
The former Great Britain coach took over the reigns at Wigan back in 2006 and managed to keep the former greats in the top flight, as relegation looked a distinct possibility throughout much of that season.
His contract runs out next month and chairman Ian Lenagan confirmed that he would not be staying after the weekend play-off defeat.
New Zealand national coach Stephen Kearney has admitted that he turned down the job earlier in the year and Melbourne head coach Craig Bellamy has hinted that Maguire will be heading to Wigan into step into Noble's boots.
"I think Michael will certainly go if he gets a visa," he told www.nrl.com. "He has done a great job for us. He is a very talented coach and he thinks he is ready for a head coach's job and I think he is too.
"That is what he wants to do and he'll certainly get the blessing from our club, without a doubt."