Stephen Kearney and Michael Maguire tipped to replace Jason Taylor
By Brent Read and Peter Kogoy
September 10, 2009 Embattled South Sydney coach Jason Taylor will find out on Thursday whether he has a future with the club.
If, as seems distinctly possible, his tenure is terminated, attention is expected to quickly turn to Melbourne Storm assistants Stephen Kearney and Michael Maguire who are regarded as next cabs off the coaching ranks.
While the Rabbitohs board is yet to determine Taylor's future, The Australian has reported that an approach to Kearney could be imminent.
Kearney is a logical target for Souths given he has worked with several Rabbitohs players, including captain Roy Asotasi and hooker Issac Luke, in his role as New Zealand coach.
He was also on the coaching staff at Melbourne when Michael Crocker was at the club. Any approach, however, is contingent on the Rabbitohs board deciding to sever ties with Taylor over his behaviour at the club's end-of-season drinks.
Taylor was allegedly knocked out by one of his players - forward David Fa'alogo - at the end of an eight-hour drinking session. Souths chief executive Shane Richardson completed his investigation into the incident on Wednesday, after interviewing Fa'alogo.
Fa'alogo, who will play in England with Huddersfield next season, also spoke to Taylor on Wednesday but his manager Gavin Orr could not confirm reports the New Zealand international had apologised to his former coach.
Taylor has declined to comment on the incident although he did appear at the Dally M awards on Tuesday night.
The coach is alleged to have slapped Fa'alogo while they were at an inner-city hotel, prompting the backrower to retaliate.
Richardson's findings will be discussed with board members on Thursday. The final decision is likely to rest with Rabbitohs co-owner Russell Crowe, who has publicly voiced his support for Taylor in recent weeks. However, Crowe's support may have wavered in light of revelations in recent days.
Crowe's co-owner Peter Holmes a Court confirmed the issue would be discussed but declined to comment on Taylor's future.
"We will review the facts when they are brought to the board and ensure that all the relevant considerations are made," Holmes a Court said.
"No one is rushing to make a rash decision. These things are often done with a hot head. I'm going to make sure all the facts are in place."
While Kearney would be the logical favourite to take over should Taylor be sacked, his appointment would not be without hurdles.
The Kiwi side will be involved in the Four Nations tournament, meaning Kearney would be unable to take the reins until November at the earliest. Maguire would also be given deep consideration given he is highly regarded in the coaching fraternity.
Premiership-winning coach John Lang, on the Rabbitohs staff as a coaching director, also shapes as a contender to replace Taylor.
