NSW Blues coach: Matty Johns supports Michael Maguire to replace Brad Fittler

Renowned rugby league authoritatian Michael Maguire has agreed to coach the NSW Blues, and Fox League host Matty Johns is a big fan of the move.

Michael Maguire has been mentioned as a Blues coaching candidate.

Michael Maguire has emerged as a leading contender to take over the prized-job of coaching the NSW State of Origin team.

The South Sydney premiership-winning coach’s name has gained major traction over the past 48-hours to the point where he currently sits on a short-list of just three rival applicants to take over the Blues.

After being inundated with applicants, the NSWRL are closer than ever before on appointing their replacement to former Blues coach Brad Fittler.

Ex-NSW coach Laurie Daley has made no secret of his desire to help the Blues in their time of need and therefore remains part of the high-level discussion.

Broncos assistant John Cartwright also has support.

However, Maguire has catapulted into the reckoning with key figures pushing for the coach affectionately known as “Madge.’’

Michael Maguire has emerged as the leading candidate.

This masthead has been told by several key sources that Maguire’s NRL coaching experience is a key motivation behind his sudden elevation up the pecking order for the prized-role.

The NSWRL board discussed the coaching vacancy at a phone hook-up on Tuesday where it is understood all eight were considered.

One of the major criticisms of the Blues failed 2023 series to Queensland was their limited experience of day-to-day pressure from inside an elite-level coaches box.

With a total of 233 NRL games worth of coaching experience, Maguire spent six seasons in charge of the Rabbitohs between 2012 and 2017 before joining the Wests Tigers for three-and-a-half tumultuous years between 2019 and 2022.

The 12-month-only, part-time contract, which was put forward and rejected by former NSW coach Brad Fittler would also stand for Maguire.

It’s understood the one-year deal is one of which Maguire would be willing to accept.

The current New Zealand Test coach and Raiders assistant coach would more than likely need to step down from each of his posts to take over the hot seat of the Blues.

Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart rejected an approach from the NSWRL due to his commitment to Canberra in 2024.

By making the call to step down from his two current roles, Maguire would then be available to turn his entire focus on restoring pride to the state of NSW following consecutive series-losses to Queensland.

Maguire received huge support to take on the role from influential Fox League host Matthew Johns on Tuesday.

“I would have no problem appointing a coach who has a club affiliation because I think you need to be coach fit,” Johns said on SEN radio.

“You’ve got to be ready to make those tough decisions, deal with scenarios on the run and have the strength of personality to be used to ringing players and saying, ‘Listen, I like what you’re about but apologies I’m not going to pick you in the side.’

“Head coaches are used to doing that, they’re seasoned to do it and for that reason I think Michael Maguire would be a great pick.”

Maguire’s ambition to coach the Blues isn’t entirely new with the 49-year-old previously applying for the role prior to Fittler’s appointment in 2018.

“It’s about building an environment that best brings out performance. Whether it’s at club level, representative level, it’s about creating an environment where people can play at their best,’’ Maguire said.

“That’s what you set out to do. When I was at Souths in ’14 and when I was at Wigan, the players created a strong environment that was set by the people around them.

“Having a great group around them to give them the best opportunity to perform, that’s what you want.’’

NSW has lost the past two series with the new coach to enter the Origin furnace under immediate pressure.

The TAB has already framed a market for the 2024 series with Queensland $1.75 favourites, NSW the $2.05 outsiders.

Originally published as NSW Blues coach: Matty Johns supports Michael Maguire to replace Brad Fittler