New Zealand rugby league authorities tell Michael Maguire to choose between Kiwis and New South Wales

Michael Maguire’s hopes of coaching both New Zealand and New South Wales have been dealt a blow after a stunning change of heart.

In a dramatic about-face, the New Zealand Rugby League has delivered a stunning us-or-them ultimatum to Michael Maguire that is set to cost him the Kiwis coaching job.

Less than three weeks after his New Zealand side thrashed Australia 30-0 in the Pacific Championships final, Maguire has been told by the NZRL board he must decide between coaching the Kiwis or NSW.

Maguire is now poised to walk away from the Kiwis in favour of the prestigious Blues job, despite having a contract to coach New Zealand through until the 2026 World Cup.

Well-placed sources in New Zealand claim Maguire is shocked at the decision, with the general belief being that he could comfortably coach both representative sides.

In a bid to save his job, Maguire presented to the NZRL board on Wednesday with insiders claiming he would be retained as head coach.

Michael Maguire is poised to leave his job as New Zealand coach. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images

But the board has shifted its thinking and has now said Maguire cannot coach both sides.

Maguire was a hero in New Zealand on November 4 after his Kiwis walloped the World Cup-winning Kangaroos in Hamilton.

Heartbroken at losing his New Zealand side, Maguire will now be free to sign on as Blues coach.

Maguire is expected to receive a payout given he has an iron-clad NZRL contract.

New Zealand-based sources are adamant Maguire doesn’t want to give up the Kiwis but will be forced to make the decision because of the prestigious NSW offer.

A push by some New Zealand old boys to shift Maguire appears to have swayed the board.

A cluster of former players claim Maguire couldn’t and shouldn’t coach New Zealand and NSW, citing a conflict of interest.

Some NZRL board members feel Maguire, by coaching NSW, would be developing Australian players to play against New Zealand. Maguire has NSW players in camp for just 26 days.

This masthead has been told by sources in New Zealand that Maguire fought hard to convince the board that he could coach both sides given NSW plays mid-season and New Zealand’s Test matches are post-season.

Maguire and his players enjoy their historic win over Australia recently. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Maguire may now be retained in a reduced capacity by Canberra, where he is currently an assistant coach.

The NSWRL board met on Thursday to discuss the coaching issue. Board members are waiting to formally appoint Maguire before then signing his support staff.

It has been a drawn out process.

The NSWRL would prefer to have the entire matter settled and announced within the next week. It is understood Maguire spoke with NSWRL chief executive David Trodden on Wednesday night.

It is unknown when New Zealand will start searching for a new coach.

In the Pacific Championships, New Zealand also belted Samoa, who contested last year’s World Cup final.

Maguire has been the NSWRL’s first choice since Brad Fittler stood down in late September.

He had garnered his own support from former New Zealand coaches Frank Endacott and Sir Graham Lowe along with the Kiwi playing group. Maguire has propelled New Zealand back to the top of rugby league’s international game.