Michael Maguire set for shock move amid Blues coaching role reports

Expected Blues coach Michael Maguire will reportedly retain his role as New Zealand coach in a dual position ahead of his announcement. Multiple outlets, including reporter Dave Riccio, have claimed Maguire is all but certain to become the Blues coach after Brad Fittler stepped down earlier this month.

The Blues lost two series in a row to the Maroons, which prompted a shake-up with advisor Greg Alexander and Fittler stepping away. And reports suggest Maguire will land the role with board members confident his hard-mentoring style will suit the Origin arena.

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NSWRL officials are hopeful Maguire will formalise a deal in the near future, but there are potential hold ups with the 49-year-old in New Zealand on duty with the Kiwis. However, questionsre a being asked over whether he would be able to remain as the New Zealand coach as his team prepare to play Mal Meninga's Kangaroos outfit.

Riccio reports Maguire won't be announced as the coach until after the Pacific Championship. And in a big twist, Riccio has reported Maguire will be able to hold both roles moving forward. “My understanding is that NSW Rugby League don’t have an issue with Madge staying on as Kiwis coach,” Riccio said on SEN Radio.

“It’s actually to that point where I don’t think we’ll see an actual contract signed and firm announcement of Madge being named as Blues coach until after these Pacific Championships. I think it shows the respect that they (have), they’re content with Madge to facilitate both roles and the fact that they’re willing to wait until the end of the Kiwis’ campaign to formally announce Madge as the next Blues coach.”

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.

However, he might need to give up some of his other roles in the NRL to afford time to the State of Origin role. Laurie Daley and John Cartwright were other candidates for the head coach position. It remains to be seen if they will find a place on Maguire's staff. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart was also an option, before deciding it would be difficult to balance both jobs.

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Maguire led the Rabbitohs to the NRL premiership in 2014 and coached Souths for 153 games. He then joined the Wests Tigers and coached them for 80 games. The 49-year-old is currently contracted as an assistant coach at the Canberra Raiders, but has been given permission by the club to pursue the NSW role.

Slater recently agreed to a three-year contract extension, with the Queensland job believed to be a full-time role. Slater has led the Maroons to back-to-back series wins over Fittler and the Blues. Fittler came under heavy criticism following the back-to-back losses with a number of selection dramas marring his final series as coach.

with AAP

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