Michael Maguire is poised to be confirmed as head coach of the NSW State of Origin side after stepping down as coach of New Zealand’s national team.
South Sydney’s 2014 premiership-winning coach has been linked with the job vacated by Brad Fittler since October, when the New South Wales Rugby League tabled him a one-year deal.
But questions remained as to Maguire’s ability to juggle the new position with his head-coaching portfolio at the Kiwis, whom he joined in 2018.
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Maguire oversaw a resurgence of New Zealand’s national program and said last month that guiding the Kiwis to a World Cup victory in 2025 was his top priority.
The 49-year-old had deferred any decisions about the mooted Blues position until after the Pacific Championships that New Zealand won in early November.
Reports emerged he had been given an ultimatum by NZ officials and had to choose between staying on as the national coach or take on the NSW job.
On Friday, the Kiwis confirmed Maguire had chosen to step down, only seven months after signing a contract extension to remain in charge through 2025.
The NSWRL on Friday confirmed no decision would be made on the new coach until next week.
“It is common knowledge that the NSWRL Board has been working through a process with Michael Maguire,” a NSW Rugby League spokesperson said.
“As soon as the matter is finalised we will make a public announcement but until then, we will not be making further comment.”
New Zealand Rugby League paid tribute to Maguire in announcing his departure.
“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,” said NZRL chief executive Greg Peters.
“Michael’s dedication to the role and players has seen him achieve incredible things over the last six years.
“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 won 12 of 18 Test matches as coach of the Kiwis, who appointed him following their worst-ever World Cup result – a quarter-final loss to Fiji in 2017.
His last match, a record-breaking 30-0 defeat of Australia in the Pacific Championships final, is likely to be remembered as his crowning achievement.
Maguire is also an assistant coach to Ricky Stuart at NRL side Canberra but the Raiders have already indicated he could juggle that position with the Blues job if he chose to take it.