Maguire was this week unveiled as the new Wests Tigers mentor after granting Ivan Cleary a controversial release to return to Penrith.

Maguire won't arrive in Concord until pre-season starts on November 15, one day after the New Zealand coach returns from the Kiwis' series in England.

But he comes nearly a decade after Roach, a Balmain Tigers legend, told the merger club to chase after the then-Melbourne Storm assistant.

"I tried to get him years and years ago. I actually did some work with him at City Country and he was involved," Roach told AAP at a NSW Blues jersey launch.

"I said to (the club), 'You've got to get this bloke. He's the next big thing."

Tim Sheens held the clipboard at the Tigers at the time, but Roach was unsure whether the club even entertained the idea.

Maguire went on to claim his first job at Wigan in 2010, where he led them to their first Super League title in 10 years.

But his most famous achievement was helping South Sydney end a 43-year title drought in 2014, before being sacked late last year.

"I don't know if the higher-ups even talked to him. They never listen to me anyway. Have a look at my head," Roach said.

"He went to Wigan, won a premiership. Went to Souths, won a premiership.

"And now we've finally got him, I know he's going to be great. He's hard-nosed, tough, and the Tigers back in my day were renowned for that stuff."

Roach admitted the club's messy split with Cleary, who had been linked with the Panthers since August, had left a bitter taste.

But he predicted success under Maguire would allow fans to quickly move on from the saga and step into a new era.

"If I agree to do something, whether it be 3-4 years or whatever, and I shake hands on it and sign a contract, I stick to what I say," Roach said.

"I was disappointed the way it all went down.

"The players and fans are filthy, but you watch - Maguire will come in, do a good job, and everyone will quickly forget about Ivan Cleary."

Australian Associated Press