7th Tackle: How Madge scored coup with Young gun

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire has been in the wars for the past year – he even copped a head gash during a spirited sparring session a few weeks ago.

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South Sydney’s inconsistent form has given his doubters plenty of ammunition, but Maguire does deserve credit for bringing future superstar Angus Crichton to the club.

In 2014 Crichton was a Year 12 student at Scots College when former Rabbitohs recruitment boss Grant Jones discovered him dominating rivals in the esteemed GPS rugby competition.

He’d also played a handful of SG Ball games for the Roosters that year, before his rugby commitments became a priority.

However, the Rabbitohs snuck under everyone’s guard by inviting Crichton to the dressing rooms before and after fulltime for a late-season game against Manly at the SCG.

We’ve also heard Sam Burgess sealed the deal with a 20 minute chat a short time later.

Throughout the whole process Maguire was adamant about South Sydney’s need to sign the blockbusting teen from Young – and they did.