Former premiership-winning coach Michael Maguire will take over the reins of NSW in next year’s State of Origin series after being offered the role on a one-year deal by the Blues.
The former Rabbitohs coach, who guided them to the 2014 premiership, is set to end his stint as New Zealand Test mentor after the upcoming Pacific Championships to focus on the NSW job.
Maguire’s intensity as a coach at club level has led to problems with players complaining about his demanding style at the Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers and it may not be effective in a short-term appointment like Origin.
His Blues deal will likely run for five months, from March through to the end of July.
NSWRL officials are hopeful Maguire, who has coached 233 games in the NRL, will formalise a deal in the near future.
New Zealand coach Michael Maguire. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images for RLWC)
They are hoping his reputation as an intense mentor will suit the State of Origin arena, where camps come in short, sharp bursts.
He is taking over from Brad Fittler after he resigned last month when the NSWRL scaled back the role, leaving with a record of three series wins from six years in charge.
Maguire expressed his interest to become NSW coach in 2018, but lost out to Fittler.
He was at South Sydney’s helm from 2012-17 and was sacked by the Wests Tigers midway through the 2022 season after an unhappy three-year stint.
He was part of Ricky Stuart’s coaching staff at the Raiders this season. It is understood Canberra have given Maguire their blessing to take on the NSW job, although it remains to be seen if he would stay on with the Green Machine.
New Zealand Rugby League refused to comment on Thursday about Maguire’s future, with any decision unlikely until after the Pacific Championships finish next month.
Maguire could theoretically coach NSW and New Zealand as their seasons do not overlap, with the Blues’ offer running for five months from March to July.
It could create challenges around player eligibility, though, with NSW representatives ineligible to play for New Zealand.
Stuart had been sounded out by NSW about a possible return to the Origin gig but wanted to remain solely focused on Canberra.
Laurie Daley had also been questioned about a possible return as NSW coach while Broncos assistant John Cartwright had expressed an interest but no current NRL coaches put themselves in the frame.
Maguire has reportedly been offered a one-year deal by the Blues.
The Blues are staring down the barrel of a third straight series loss after Billy Slater has guided Queensland to a 2-1 series victory in each of his first two years as coach.
with AAP
London Panther
Roar Rookie
Cam Smith retired 3 years ago!! They have made the prelim twice since then. You’re a hard market!!
Panthers
Roar Rookie
When he’s not coaching Japan at Rugby Union. I don’t think that you did hear that?
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Personally I don’t think there is a lot of coaching to do. I think Billy has it worked out - pick players that will have a go, don’t pick on personalities and don’t overthink it. Oh, and don’t put your hooker in the centres.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
It’s lucky they got to sing after the SOO . There wasn’t much singing to be heard from north of the border , after a couple of League GF’s, AFL GF, Aust Cup Final in Soccer, Interstate Challenge in League . For the 2023 season.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
What recent if any coaching experience did Billy Slater have , before coaching Queensland? Same could be said about a few recent Queensland coaches.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Hi mushi, he is a brilliant thinker mate, both tactically and strategically plus he is very good and putting talented people around him. Have faith mate.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I know how punters like you work. You tell me Bellamy would win if he was coach today and if he came back and lost you would bang on about me being the king of hindsight if I pointed it out. Cleary and Kev Walters have highlighted what I've been saying for ages. You don't need a super coach to win things. Nobody considered Cleary a super coach when he was running at 47% , so don't bother with that nonsense.
mushi
Roar Guru
Could round it out with Mason and Hayne if gets furlough
Ed Flanders
Roar Rookie
Ah, this coming from the resident hindsight predictor.
Ed Flanders
Roar Rookie
Oh, I'm simply needling Brett for saying the jury is out on Madge when his beloved Eels' have had Arthur coach them for a long time without a trophy now. Or were you responding to Brett?
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
He actually might be better than Gal
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
:thumbdown:
matth
Roar Guru
So does Scotty Cam, but I wouldn’t hire him as a coach either
matth
Roar Guru
Was he ever not??
matth
Roar Guru
He’s done alright for the Kiwis, which is a similar style of gig
matth
Roar Guru
Always a good idea for a rep team to hire a coach previously sacked by the wooden spooners
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Now you’re talking.. if only for the post match conferences
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
Was Dufty ever the best fullback in the game? :happy:
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
Yeah, but look at his run metres :laughing:
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
NSW need someone a bit closer to the current game and players. Add Mitch Pearce as an assistant ?