The Mole: Wests Tigers ‘shocked’ by arrest of junior star over murder of underworld figure

Wests Tigers officials were stunned to learn that one of their most promising young players had been accused with the murder of a known underworld figure.

Masei Tavui, a local kid, has been charged with the July murder of Dejan “Danny the Serb” Radulovic in Sydney’s inner west.

On Tuesday afternoon, the 19-year-old was detained and charged with one count of murder at Liverpool Police Station.

Radulovic, who had been known to police for several years, was allegedly stabbed and shot during an encounter with two males in Balmain.

On Tuesday, police stormed an Austral residence, taking numerous items of clothes and handcuffing Tavui.

When he appeared at Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday afternoon, he was denied bail.

The hearing has been rescheduled for December 12 at the Downing Centre.

LIVE UPDATES: Day eleven of the 2023 AFL trade period

Tavui, who competed as a back-rower in the SG Ball tournament this year, is highly regarded by Tigers officials.

“He can play, there is no doubt about it, and we are shocked and saddened to hear what has happened,” a Tigers source told Wide World of Sports.

“However, he remains innocent at this point and will have his day in court.”

“Until then it would be inappropriate to say any more and the club won’t be commenting.”

READ MORE.

Cameron Murray’s glowing endorsement for Michael Maguire in push for NSW coaching job

Cameron Murray, a NSW back-rower, played under Michael Maguire at South Sydney and says he “would love to rekindle” his relationship with the hard-nosed coach at the Blues.

Following allegations this week that Maguire had verbally accepted the post of Brad Fittler’s replacement, the NSWRL board issued a statement explaining the situation.

“NSWRL chairman Paul Conlon has advised that Michael Maguire is the preferred candidate, however the process is ongoing and there has been no appointment at this stage,” the statement went on to say.

Murray praised Maguire as the new man for the position after appearing in Australia’s 38-12 win over Samoa in the Pacific Championships on Saturday night, when asked about the situation on Nine’s Sports Sunday.

“I think it [his relationship with Maguire at the Rabbitohs] got cut a little bit short,” he added.

“I thought I was going to be under him for the 2018 season, but it wasn’t to be.”

“Madge was a huge part of my career, especially early on.” He was in and around the club since I was approximately 15, 16 years old, coming through the junior ranks, and he instilled a lot of faith in me. He was a tremendous mentor for me coming through, and he… gifted me my debut. That’s where my career began, and I have a great deal of admiration and thanks for what Madge did for me in the outset of my career.

“So it’d be fantastic to collaborate.”

“I think it [his relationship with Maguire at the Rabbitohs] got cut a little bit short,” he added.

“So it’d be awesome to team up with him again and play under him in one of rugby league’s biggest arenas.”

“We’ll wait and see what happens there, but it would be awesome.”

The thought of Maguire taking on the NSW job while still coaching New Zealand has raised concerns about a conflict of interest.

On Nine and 9Now, you can see the Kangaroos take on Samoa and New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Championships.

The 2014 premiership-winning coach has been urging young players to declare their loyalty to the Kiwis, so foregoing the opportunity to represent NSW, but he’d be torn if he was appointed to the Blues job.

Players are not permitted to compete in State of Origin if their international allegiance is not with Australia.

“We understand and respect Michael’s professionalism and commitment to the New Zealand team now and in the coming weeks,” said Conlon in a statement issued by the NSWRL.

“His sole focus is prepa

coached the Rabbitohs in 153 games between 2012 and 2017, before being fired.

He later coached Wests Tigers in 80 games beginning in 2019, before being fired in June 2022.

ring them for the three upcoming Test matches.” That is precisely the quality that drew us to him for the coaching position.

“He has made a long-term commitment to New Zealand rugby league and we wish him all the best for the upcoming Test matches.”

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Maguire’s pursuit of the NSW coaching post has repercussions for the Raiders, who will convene a board meeting to decide if he will remain as Ricky Stuart’s assistant.

Between 2012 and 2017, Maguire coached the Rabbitohs in 153 games.