Maguire hails fellow Aussie Warrior (From The Bolton News)

Maguire hails fellow Aussie Warrior

7:30am Saturday 20th February 2010 in

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RUGBY LEAGUE: Wigan's Michael Maguire has made no secret of his admiration of Tony Smith as the two coaches prepare to go head to head.

The Warrington boss has enjoyed great success on these shores with Huddersfield, Leeds and Wolves, leading the club to last season’s Challenge Cup final where they lifted their first piece of silverware in 35 years.

Australian Maguire knows the England and Great Britain coach well and played briefly under Smith Down Under.

But the new Warriors chief will look to put one over his fellow countryman when the two sides clash this evening.

“I’ve known Tony for quite a long time,” said Maguire, who is hoping to replicate Smith’s achievements as he looks to end Wigan’s eight-year wait for a trophy in his first season at the DW Stadium.

“I spent a year at Adelaide Rams and he was the assistant coach, so I met Tony there. He also came down to Melbourne when I was there, so I’ve had a little bit to do with him.

“Tony Smith has been at the top and won things — he’s done a very good job. He’s had some good times here and is trying to build something at Warrington like I am here.”

Like Wigan, Warrington have made a 100 per cent start to the new Super League campaign. Wolves have been boosted by the availability of powerhouses Adrian Morley and Garreth Carvell.

Captain Morley was cleared to play after being found not guilty of a high tackle against Castleford by Rugby Football League’s disciplinary committee on Tuesday.

Fellow prop Carvell was banned for the illegal use of a forearm, but has since had his one-game suspension overturned on appeal. And Maguire knows his players will be in for a physical encounter at a sold-out Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“Warrington are a strong team,” he said. “They have a big forward pack and some very clever halves.”