Michael Maguire officially released from Blues role in shock Broncos appointment

The NSWRL board has officially agreed to allow Michael Maguire to leave his role as the Blues coach after just one year as the Broncos signed the veteran on a three-year deal. Broncos fans have been left wondering who will take over the helm in 2025 after Kevin Walters was let go from the head coach role following a poor season in charge.

Maguire was linked to the Broncos, but still had one year left in his New South Wales contract having just won the State of Origin series in his first year as coach. However, Maguire told the Blues board on Monday he intended to take the coaching job up north in 2025 in a major blow to the state.

And in a major blow to fans, the NSWRL officially released Maguire from his contract on Tuesday morning. The delay could have been down to NSWRL CEO David Trodden taking holidays, which has made the talks on Monday difficult. The Broncos then announced they had signed Maguire on a three-year deal.

This is a major blow to the Blues having just won back bragging rights from the Maroons after back-to-back series losses. While fans are divided on whether Maguire is the right coach for the Broncos - with his Blues links a major talking point - the sudden development leaves a huge hole for the Blues in 2025.

There has been plenty of discussion since Walters' exit over who should be the next Broncos coach. Maguire's was a lead candidate, but it divided fans with his links to the Blues a talking point. Broncos legend Shane Webcke led the backlash to the reports last week. "He coaches NSW. Spare me that," Webcke said on SEN Radio.

"I've got nothing against him, but did we get rid of Kevvie Walters for that?" However, the 50-year-old appears to be the favourite considering his hard-line stance could be used at the club with the attitude of several players coming into question at the end of the 2024 campaign.

Maguire is the favourite in a Yahoo Sport Australia fan poll about who should become the Broncos' next coach, garnering 30 per cent of the votes. Queenslanders Brad Thorn and Josh Hannay are also popular options, although over 20 per cent have selected 'someone else'.

Brad Fittler to return as Blues coach?

Maguire followed Brad Fittler as Blues coach, but the former Roosters great wasn't successful in his final two campaigns having lost both to rival coach Billy Slater. Fittler recently announced he would take charge of the PM's team ahead of the Kangaroos matches and it remains to be seen if the Blues would look back to their former coach to take charge.

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Fittler was in charge for six years and won the series three times. Although his selections towards the end of his reign were questioned, which saw him cop plenty of backlash from fans. Just before Fittler left, he claimed the board is moving away from the notion that the State of Origin coach can't be employed full-time by an NRL club.

And it has again emerged the Blues could look at hiring either Craig Bellamy or Ivan Cleary to take charge for the three-game series. Over the last decade, the State of Origin coach has been someone who isn't an NRL coach, with the likes of Fittler and Queensland mentor Slater working independently. The thinking is that NRL coaches don't have the time to focus fully on both jobs.

Although the Blues might look to switch things up. Bellamy was the Blues coach in 2010 when he combined the club and Origin role together. But it ended in a 3-0 loss to the Maroons. Bellamy didn't take up the mantle the following year and opted to remain in charge of the Storm.

Cleary has never been the coach of the Blues, but was seen in the coaching box for Game 3 victory in 2023. While the Blues lost the series, Fittler opted to allow Cleary into the fold for the final game.

Despite the Blues' turning their attention to the two grand final coaches, it might be a step too far. Reports also suggest the Blues could look at former leaders Ricky Stuart or Daley next year. Daley was in charge of the Blues from 2013 to 2017 and only won one series out of five. Daley had also warned NSWRL about employing a club coach - in the past - with the rigours of the role a lot to take on.

Fittler's predecessor Daley had previously ruled out any chance of returning to the Blues role. Paul McGregor's name has also been thrown around as a potential option. Maguire's apparent decision is a huge blow to the Blues. His style appeared perfect for the Origin arena with fans praising his style of play in 2024. The players also seemed to rally around the 50-year-old coach who brought a ruthless edge to the Blues' attack.