Former Wests Tigers star James Tedesco has backed his ex-teammates to thrive under incoming coach Michael Maguire's hard-nosed methods, citing South Sydney's premiership success as proof of his ability to get the most out of a team.
Maguire has taken over from Ivan Cleary at the Tigers with expectations of turning the struggling club around having steered the Rabbitohs to the 2014 NRL premiership.
A former assistant at the Melbourne Storm under Craig Bellamy, Maguire's rigorous training techniques laid the foundation for the Rabbitohs to end a 43-year NRL title drought.
The Rabbitohs went from 10th in 2011 to third on the ladder in 2012, Maguire's first season at the helm. Two years later they won the premiership.
Tedesco says that gritty attitude can also work at the Tigers.
"Yeah I think 'Madge' will be good for them; you look at how well he went at Souths," Tedesco told AAP.
"He has a pretty stern attitude.
"He's a successful coach and I know he's a very hard coach, so it will be good for the boys there. They'll enjoy it."
Once the Tigers' biggest attacking weapon before signing with the Roosters last year, fullback Tedesco believes his former teammates will be unfazed by yet another coaching change.
Maguire will be the joint venture club's fifth coach in six years, following Cleary, Jason Taylor, Mick Potter and Tim Sheens.
Tedesco was out enjoying a round of golf at The Lakes on Wednesday during the Australian Open pro am.
The 25-year-old said he hadn't yet stopped to appreciate his whirlwind debut season in the tri colours, having won the premiership with the Roosters and a State of Origin series with NSW.
"I probably didn't (expect) I would have that good a year; I ticked a lot of boxes like winning an Origin series, winning a grand final and playing for Australia," Tedesco said.
"When I look back on the year, I am proud of myself but I think there is still a lot to achieve the coming years."
Australian Associated Press
