Michael Maguire makes massive Kiwis call amid NSW Origin ultimatum
The 49-year-old has quit as coach of New Zealand after being told he must choose between the Kiwis job and the Blues role.
Michael Maguire has stepped down from his role as New Zealand coach after being given an ultimatum by the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL). Maguire was told he must decide between the Kiwis coaching job and the Blues role and ultimately chose the latter.
He recently led the Kiwis to Pacific Championships glory, where they flogged the Kangaroos 30-0 in the final to be crowned champions. It was revealed earlier this week that NZRL was considering sacking Maguire after a powerful group of ex-Kiwi players pushed for him to go.
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It is understood the former New Zealand representatives voiced their concerns about how Maguire taking the Origin job would assist in the development of Australia’s rugby league talent, thus creating a conflict of interest as Australia is the Kiwi's biggest international rival.
Maguire was told to front the NZRL panel and plead his case as to why he believes he should retain his job as Kiwis coach while also taking the position as NSW head coach. Following the meeting, NZRL decided Maguire must decide between the Kiwis and the Blues, telling him in no uncertain terms that he can't have the best of both worlds.
On Friday Maguire ultimately left his post as New Zealand coach, with NZRL CEO Greg Peters thanking him for his service to the team. “The mana, history and whakapapa associated with the Black and White jersey mean any role in and around the Kiwi team is the ultimate privilege. Michael’s dedication to the role and players has seen him achieve incredible things over the last six years,” Peters said in a statement.
“Michael is the ultimate professional and has connected deeply with the NZRL whānau and playing group. We wish him nothing but success in his next career step.”
Maguire is understood to be the New South Wales coach in waiting, with the Blues believed to have delayed the announcement of Maguire as Brad Fittler's replacement out of respect for the NZRL board, allowing them to first resolve their situation. NSWRL on Friday confirmed no decision would be made on the new Blues coach until next week.
Nathan Cayless and Stacey Jones are reportedly the frontrunners for the now-vacant New Zealand coaching role. Cayless worked as Maguire's assistant coach, while Jones is a highly respected figure within New Zealand rugby league.
Michael Maguire was eager to stay as NZ coach
Maguire took over the New Zealand side after a disastrous World Cup campaign in 2017 that ended with a loss to Fiji in the quarter-finals. Maguire felt he had unfinished business with the Kiwis as he wanted to see them through to the 2026 World Cup. "One hundred per cent, I'm going to the (2026) World Cup," Maguire said last month. "I can assure you now, that's my plan. You've got to be successful as a coach, to be able to go to where we want to get to.
"That is my plan and I want nothing more than to be able to stand with the players and achieve that (World Cup success). I won't lie, it hurt not to be able to do it overseas (at last year's World Cup) and that's the driving factor of where I sit right now."
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