NRL 2024: Parramatta legends of 1980s unite in push for Michael Maguire to be next Eels coach

A host of Parramatta Eels legends from the dominant 80s era have united off the field in rallying for the club to take on Michael Maguire as their new head coach.

Eels legend of the 80s have rallied behind Michael Maguire to be their new coach.

Parramatta’s legends from the 1980s have united once again in a powerful push for their club to replace sacked Brad Arthur with NSW coach Michael Maguire.

The development comes just days before Maguire selects and announces his side for State of Origin I in Sydney on June 5.

In a show of solidarity, Eels champions Ray Price, Brett Kenny, David Liddiard, Peter Wynn, Michael Moseley and Eric Grothe have urged the club to hunt down Maguire.

Multiple candidates – including Maguire, Jason Ryles, Justin Holbrook, Sam Burgess, Josh Hannay and Trent Barrett – have been proposed to replace Arthur, who was axed as head coach on Monday night.

Eels heroes who famously helped the club to four premierships during the 1980s have backed Maguire, who won an NRL premiership with Souths in 2014 and Super League grand final with Wigan in 2010.

Maguire has a contract with the NSWRL but has always harboured a desire to return to coaching in the NRL. It is unlikely Maguire could juggle both roles.

Eels legends have backed NSW Blues head coach Michael Maguire to take over the Eels. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“‘Madge’ would be the coach you’d look at first and foremost because of his experience,” said Kenny. “He is now the NSW coach and had success at Souths.”

Grand final-winning forward Wynn was another Maguire supporter.

“Michael knows what it takes – he’s won a premiership,” Wynn said. “He’s ‘been-there, done-that’ and is the limelight now with State of Origin.

“Parramatta is a big club with a big history who need a big name. They have a lot of fans hanging out for that next premiership.

“The club needs someone experienced. Parramatta should be the ‘face’ of the NRL. ‘Madge’ has done it all before so if they’re looking for an experienced coach then ‘Madge is the one you want to look at.”

Eels legend Ray Price, pictured in 1979.

Eels warrior Price added: “I believe ‘old-school’ is where Parramatta has to hunt so if Maguire has discipline, which he has because he’s won premierships, then get him.

“He is the coach Parramatta should look to sign. They need old-school. Parramatta need a coach with discipline who can instil that discipline.”

Grothe, arguably Parramatta’s greatest-ever winger, was another supporter of Maguire.

“Maguire is really the only one on the market,” Grothe said. “It would make sense to go with someone like Michael. He’s a little old-school and gets his troops ‘up’ in an old-school way.

Eric Grothe Snr has also thrown his support behind Maguire. Picture: Anthony Weate

“Michael knows what it takes and he was also an assistant at Melbourne for long-time (under Craig Bellamy).”

Moseley, Parramatta’s hooker in the 1986 grand final win over Canterbury, added: “There will be a list of candidates but certainly Maguire, given his record here and overseas, will be a strong contender.

“He is the Origin coach and former New Zealand coach where he enjoyed a lot of success.”

Dual grand final winger Liddiard spoke about Maguire’s credentials.

“Michael has respect and a great football brain,” Liddiard said. “He has a hard edge, has won premiership in both hemispheres and he’s a great bloke.

“‘Madge’ is an elite coach, that’s obvious given he’s in charge of the NSW team.”

Former premiership-winning centre Steve Ella preferred not to offer an opinion while champion Mick Cronin simply said: “Whoever gets the job, I wish them all the best.”