Sydney Roosters mentor Trent Robinson has reiterated calls for the establishment of an NRL coaches' association after his good mate Michael Maguire was sacked this week.
Maguire became the third NRL coach, following Jason Taylor and Neil Henry, to be axed this year when he was caught off guard by the South Sydney board's decision to let him go.
The NSWRL also refused to renew the contract of Blues coach Laurie Daley, who joins the NRL trio in looking for another gig.
Two years ago Robinson floated the idea for an NRL coaches' union after speaking with AFL counterparts who have formed a similar association with much success.
Robinson said while all coaches went into the job knowing it is a cut-throat business, there was a need to throw an arm around colleagues when they fell on tough times.
"Your first reflection is often personal about how it affects the family and the people around them," Robinson said when asked about his reaction to Maguire's sacking.
"I know Michael's wife and kids.
"And I talked about it with my partner as soon as it happens, the change that can happen in life and to your family. We talked about it as a couple but that's the life that we chose. This is why we do what we do."
Robinson two years ago laid out his blueprint for the association, similar to the AFL Coaches Association, which takes in assistant coaches and other performance staff from all 18 clubs.
While the idea has stalled because of his Roosters commitments, he said he was determined to get it off the ground.
"Now, who supports them right now? I haven't been doing much this year because I've been focusing on the Roosters but in the off-season I want to get the coaches association moving so there is a bit of support," Robinson said ahead of his side's qualifying final against Brisbane.
"Who's actually called them or looking after them? That's up to the family, and to look after yourself, but it would be good, to have some support from other coaches."
Robinson said he would get in touch with Maguire.
"Because I know Madge, I know I will reach out to him but I haven't as yet," Robinson said.
"I know what the first few days are like. In that time, you do want to bunker down and be with your family and that's about it."
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