Kiwi legends v Michael Maguire: Tensions simmer over NSW coach leading NZ

Weeks after leading New Zealand to a historic Test thumping of Australia, Michael Maguire is facing mounting pressure from influential figures to hold onto his job.

The New Zealand Rugby League are under increasing pressure by a section of powerful Kiwi old boys to part ways with Test coach Michael Maguire.

The simmering tension is on the verge of breaking point with the NZRL board aiming to make a call on Maguire at a board meeting, possibly as early as this week.

NZRL CEO Greg Peters has confirmed to this masthead that Maguire will be given the chance to front the NZRL board to explain why he wants to remain in charge, while at the same time, take over from Brad Fittler as head coach of the NSW State of Origin team.

The collection of Kiwi legends disagree that the national coach should be allowed to mentor the Blues players, many of whom already play, or could be chosen in the future, for Australia.

Michael Maguire during a New Zealand training session. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

The influential former players claim that Maguire’s job as Blues coach promotes and fosters the development of Australian players, many of whom the Kiwis are aiming to beat in the Test arena.

The Kiwi old boys are pushing for either Stacey Jones or Nathan Cayless to take over the New Zealand Test team.

Jones is viewed as a Mal Meninga-like figure within New Zealand rugby league, a legend of the game with credibility and the capability to drive a passionate team culture.

Cayless is Maguire’s current assistant coach, whose record as a player is draped in success, with 38 Tests and highlighted by captaining the Kiwis to victory in the 2008 World Cup.

Stacey Jones. Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

Tony Kemp, who represented the Kiwis on 25 occasions between 1989 and 1995, has already gone public with his belief that Maguire should be let go.

“For me being an ex-Kiwi, I’m actually hurting… for me what it looks like, when Madge (Maguire) goes back to coach the Blues, it’s another win for the Australians,” Kemp told SEN radio.

“The NZRL need to grow some kahunas here and say, ‘We’ll promote our own’, Stacey Jones could coach the Kiwis team, he could surround it with players with ex-players and coaches.”

Peters said the upcoming NZRL board meeting will determine their next step, which will include the views of the Kiwi old boys.

Former Parramatta captain Nathan Cayless has officially started as an assistant coach at the Eels. Credit: Supplied

“It will be either this week or the following week, it will come down to the board meeting,” Peters said.

“Michael will have some things to say to the board.

“The board will consider a number of views that have been expressed and also the current playing group and also Michael. “There are a number of factors that the board will consider when it makes its final decision.

“We love Madge (Maguire), we’re not considering options at the moment.’’

The NSWRL board have purposely delayed their formal appointment and announcement out of respect to Maguire sorting out his position with the Kiwis.

The NSWRL board are comfortable with the former South Sydney and Wests Tigers NRL coach undertaking both representative roles.

Despite a push from a section of the Kiwi old boys, Maguire still has huge support to continue as New Zealand Test coach, particularly after leading the Kiwis to a record 30-0 nil victory over Australia in the final of the Pacific Championships.

His 68.4 per cent winning record is also the best strike rate of any Kiwi Test coach.

Maguire has made clear his ambition to lead the Kiwis into the 2026 World Cup.

“I can assure you now that is my plan...I want nothing more than to be able to stand with my players and achieve (World Cup) success,” Maguire said last month.

“I want to be a part of the team and to be successful over long periods of time.”