State of Origin 2024: Michael Maguire puts Blues on notice on first day as NSW coach
Michael Maguire has wasted no time in his new role as NSW coach, putting the Blues on notice and vowing to overhaul the team selection policy.
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On his first official day as NSW State of Origin coach, Michael Maguire put established Blues stars on notice by claiming he will pick his side based on form – not reputation.
The NSWRL on Thursday formally appointed Maguire to a “multi-year” contract, two months after then coach Brad Fittler was offered a five-month deal.
“I’m a big believer that the Blues jersey is everything – and we’re all here to make that jersey successful,” Maguire said. “We want to win – that’s ultimately why you do it.”
Maguire, 49, has taken over the most important job in NSW rugby league. It is a miracle recovery from Maguire, who was sacked as last-placed Wests Tigers coach in 2022.
A former Souths premiership-winning coach, Maguire started his new role by unveiling a top-class high-performance team that includes assistant coaches John Cartwright, Matt King and Brett White, along with team performance manager, highly respected Melbourne head of football, Frank Ponissi.
Andrew Gray will be NSW’s physical performance manager with Sean Edwards the strength and conditioning coach.
Maguire said he would base his team selection around form – not notoriety.
When Origin I kicks off at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on June 5 next year, a number of Blues regulars will be well into their 30s, including captain James Tedesco (31), Damien Cook (33), Cody Walker (34), Junior Paulo (30), Tyson Frizell (32), Api Koroisau (32) and Daniel Tupou (33).
Tedesco could have competition for the fullback position from Manly’s Tom Trbojevic, South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell and Penrith’s Dylan Edwards.
“When you’ve got people in really good form, and they’re coming into camp with a really positive mindset about how they want to do things, I go after those players,” Maguire said.
“I’m going to keep a rally open page on where I go but I’m big on form.”
Asked if that meant senior NSW players had no guarantees about selection, Maguire said: “Yeah. Their performances will sort things out in time.”
Just last week, New Zealand Rugby League issued Maguire an ultimatum – choose either the Kiwi or Blues. He picked the team he grew up supporting – NSW.
Asked whether he hated Queensland, Maguire said: “Yep. I’m a NSW kid.
“This arena is massive. You can feel it, but I already know that. What I do know about this space is that it comes down to one play. When you’re working in a campaign, everyone has to be aligned.
“You will probably laugh but I’m probably a little more relaxed in this space because when you walk into this arena, you’ve got the best of the best. We’ve got a state we want to take on a journey and we want everyone to feel part of that in some way.”
Maguire has sought out several former NSW coaches for advice, and will lean heavily on Laurie Daley from next season.
“I talk to Laurie a lot,” he said. “He has spoken to me about the ride that is in front of me. I’m looking forward to chatting to Loz about how he did things. Laurie is certainly passionate.”
Maguire said he also wanted to meet the players to secure feedback and tips for 2024.
“They are the key,” Maguire said. “And allowing them to express themselves is the key.”
He added: “It’s a real honour to be appointed NSW coach, As a young kid, I grew up dreaming of wanting to play for NSW but my career was cut short so I went the coaching route. To be coaching NSW, I am pinching myself. I can’t wait.”
NSWRL chief executive, David Trodden added: “We feel privileged that Michael comes to us as an impeccably credentialed coach. He has been a premiership winner in England (with Wigan) and Australia.
“And as a person who comes to us most recently with a record-breaking win for New Zealand (30-0) over the Kangaroos a couple of weeks ago. We both want success to happen in 2024 and the subsequent years as well. State of Origin is all about winning.”
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