Michael Maguire has been chosen as the new coach for the NSW State of Origin team, replacing Brad Fittler. The NSW Rugby League has offered Maguire a one-year deal, which has been approved by his current club, the Canberra Raiders.
Maguire is a well-respected coach who has previously won the NRL premiership with South Sydney in 2014. He also has a wealth of experience, with 233 games under his belt from his time at the West Tigers. In addition to his club responsibilities, Maguire is the current New Zealand Test coach.
Maguire was chosen over John Cartwright, who is currently an assistant coach for the Brisbane Broncos and a former NSW player. The decision to select Maguire was supported by Matthew Johns, who stated that a coach’s club affiliation should not be a hindrance as long as they are equipped to make tough decisions and handle various scenarios.
The appointment of Maguire comes after a disappointing performance by the NSW Blues in the most recent State of Origin series. Fittler, who had been the coach since 2018, was unable to guide the team to victory against the Queensland Maroons.
Maguire’s primary goal will be to turn around the fortunes of the NSW team and bring the State of Origin shield back to its home state. The Blues have been the dominant force in the competition for many years, but in recent times, the Maroons have enjoyed success, winning 11 of the last 15 series.
To achieve this, Maguire will need to create a cohesive and well-drilled team, as well as instill the necessary passion and belief in the players. He will also have to make tough selection decisions, as the team is stacked with talent and competition for spots is fierce.
Maguire’s experience as a premiership-winning coach and his time with the New Zealand Test team will undoubtedly be valuable assets in his new role. He is known for his strong leadership and ability to get the best out of his players, qualities that will be vital in a high-pressure environment such as the State of Origin.
The NSWRL’s decision to offer Maguire a one-year deal suggests that they want to see an immediate improvement in the team’s performance. The State of Origin is widely regarded as the pinnacle of rugby league, and success in this competition is a true test of a coach’s abilities.
Maguire will have the support of the NSW Rugby League and the backing of the players, as they strive to reclaim the State of Origin shield. With his experience and passion for the game, he is well-equipped to take on the challenge and bring glory back to NSW.
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