Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire admits interest in the Broncos coaching job

AS the Broncos look to get their next coach finalised before Christmas, former Rabbitohs premiership-winning mentor Michael Maguire is the first to declare his interest in succeeding Wayne Bennett.

Maguire’s recent success makes him a strong contender. (Phil Hillyard)

MICHAEL Maguire has expressed his interest in coaching the Broncos as Brisbane bosses ramp-up their search for Wayne Bennett’s replacement at Red Hill.

Speaking for the first time about the Broncos post, Maguire says he is keeping his options open and is keen to talk to Brisbane hierarchy if they believe he is the right man to succeed Bennett in 2020.

The former Souths premiership-winning mentor is one of the most sought-after coaches on the open market, with Maguire being strongly tipped to take over from Trent Barrett at Manly.

But the Broncos are another option, with Brisbane powerbrokers understood to have identified a number of candidates to replace Bennett, including Maguire, Souths’ Anthony Seibold and Maroons coach Kevin Walters.

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Maguire’s premiership win with South Sydney makes him a strong candidate. (Gregg Porteous)

The Broncos could have their next coach finalised before Christmas, and Maguire said the prospect of calling the shots at Queensland’s flagship NRL club had genuine appeal.

“I’m open to that (coaching the Broncos),” Maguire said.

“If ever the time was right to talk to people at the Broncos, I would certainly consider that and any other opportunity.

“You have to look at all options.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of the Broncos, but Brisbane are a club most coaches would view as a strong club to go to because of the facilities and funding they have.

“Ultimately, it’s the people involved in a club and the ambitions and desire of an organisation to be successful that appeals to me.”

Seibold collects his Dally M Coach of the Year award. (Brett Costello)

It is believed Manly have had discussions with Maguire, but the cash-strapped Sea Eagles cannot match the infrastructure and financial muscle of the Broncos.

Brisbane are keen for Bennett’s successor to have experience and clout, mindful of the risks of appointing a rookie following lean years under former coaches Ivan Henjak and Anthony Griffin.

Maguire is currently in charge of the Kiwi national team, but the New Zealand Rugby League won’t stand in the way if the 44-year-old can secure another opportunity in the NRL.

Maguire, Craig Bellamy’s former assistant at Melbourne, broke Souths’ 43-year premiership drought in 2014 and is ready to return to the NRL after a 12-month hiatus.

“I would love to be back coaching in the NRL. I still have that desire,” Maguire said.

“I’ve had some time out of NRL coaching. I’m aware of what it looks like to build success at clubs and that’s what people look for, is that experience.

“I’m aware of what quality clubs look like and at the moment I am being patient around which way I would like to go.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to see success in three organisations (Wigan, Melbourne and Souths) and four if you consider my playing career at Canberra.

“I am always looking to improve as a coach. The time away from coaching has given me some insights into what I would like to apply again.”

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Originally published as Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire admits interest in the Broncos coaching job