Michael Maguire is about to commence his reign as New South Wales head coach when he takes charge of the Blues in the State of Origin opener next week.
The premiership-winning coach was appointed as the state’s new mentor following Brad Fittler’s departure from the post after six years in charge.
NSW have lost the last two series in a row and desperately needed a circuit breaker with Billy Slater’s Queensland side threatening to embark on another golden run.
However, despite signing a two-year deal with the Blues, Maguire’s future is far from secure as he has made no secret of his desire to one day return to the NRL.
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Maguire took over the reins of the Blues on a high after leading New Zealand to a historic 30-0 win over Australia in the Pacific Cup final last year.
He wanted to keep both roles but was forced to vacate the Kiwi top job after they were unwilling to let Maguire split his time between both sides.
“On behalf of the NSWRL Chairman Paul Conlon and the board, it gives me great pleasure to announce Michael Maguire has agreed to a multi-year appointment as the head coach of NSW,” NSWRL Chief Executive, David Trodden, said after Maguire became the 16th coach of the Blues.
“In recent years we have been blessed with the stability of long-term coaching tenures with Brad Fittler, Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart and we are looking forward to this engagement following the same pattern.
“We all have expectations of immediate success in 2024 together with the opportunity to build a structure that will provide for sustained long-term success.”
However, this long-term vision for the Blues may fail to materialise with Maguire reportedly in the sights of Parramatta after they dismissed Brad Arthur and failed in their pursuit of Wayne Bennett.
Maguire hasn’t been a head coach in the NRL since his horror spell in charge of the Wests Tigers came to an end in 2022.
And this followed on from a disappointing end to his tenure at South Sydney, where he had won a premiership in 2014.
Yet with a distinct lack of experienced options currently available, Maguire is believed to be the coach with the best credentials for the Eels to possibly recruit.
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The former Canberra assistant is also a popular choice amongst the club’s legends with the likes of Brett Kenny and Ray Price imploring the board to appoint Maguire.
“Madge would be the coach you’d look at first and foremost because of his experience,” Kenny told The Australian.
“I believe ‘old-school’ is where Parramatta has to hunt, so if Maguire has discipline – which he has because he’s won premierships – then get him,” Price added.
Maguire is reportedly on a shortlist of candidates drawn up by the Eels which also includes current interim coach Trent Barrett along with Jason Ryles and Justin Holbrook.
