Hull KR’s Danny McGuire hints at future head coach role

Danny McGuire was thrown into the deep end as interim head coach of Hull KR following the departure of Tony Smith.

But, the former Leeds Rhinos halfback has not only kept his head above water, he has swam to safety and is now looking up at the Super League table rather than down at the relegation spots.

Smith’s initial announcement that he would be leaving Craven Park took everyone by surprise when he revealed the news in a pre-match press conference months ago, but his eventual departure seemed the right time to go.

With McGuire appointed as interim coach until Willie Peters made the move from the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, he repeatedly stated that he did not want to become the main boss.

But, now the 39-year-old is loving being at the helm of KR.

“I went into it with an open mind,” McGuire said.

“I realised I wasn’t ready for it if I’m honest but I have adapted to it and have enjoyed it more than what I thought I would.

“I realise I’ve got so much more learning to do and more experienced to go through, but I’m prepared to take a back seat and learn some more things under Willie next year.”

McGuire, despite initially having reservations, has now hinted that he would like a head coaching role in the future.

“I’d like to think I’m doing some good things and the players are enjoying it with some decent results along the way.

“When I took over my job was to try and get the players best prepared for the job as I could and I felt I’ve done that.

“It’s not putting me off thinking about it further down the line. I’m loving it.”

It couldn’t have been a much tougher assignment that McGuire was given considering the mounting injury list and the slide out of the play-offs when he took over.

Yet, the former Leeds star has taken to the role like a duck to water, impressing with every passing game.