NSW Blues and Michael Maguire still negotiating for the Kiwi Test coach to become Brad Fittler’s successor

What’s the hold up? The reason why Michael Maguire’s official appointment as NSW State of Origin coach has been further delayed.

HULL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Michael Maguire, Head Coach of New Zealand speaks to the media in the post match press conference after their sides victory during the Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool C match between New Zealand and Jamaica at MKM Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Hull, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images for RLWC)

Michael Maguire’s official appointment as NSW State of Origin coach has been further delayed, with a final decision now put back until after the Blues’ next board meeting later this month.

It is understood the Blues and Maguire are still ironing out the terms and conditions of the new NSW deal, with it yet to be determined if the contract will run for one or two seasons.

The Blues were initially thinking of offering a one-year deal but Maguire is pushing for two years.

The other potential issue is that Maguire has also made no secret of his desire to return as an NRL head coach if the opportunity was to come up.

It was expected Maguire would take up the role last week after leading the Kiwis to a shock Pacific Championships victory over Australia.

While there is not expected to be any last minute hiccups that will deny Maguire the chance to become Brad Fittler’s successor, the official announcement won’t come before the next NSW board meeting on November 23.

It is also still to be confirmed if Maguire will stay on as New Zealand national coach, although the win over the Kangaroos has certainly put him in a strong position to negotiate combining both roles.

Michael Maguire has become a man in demand following New Zealand’s shock win over Australia. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

While Maguire is not expected to continue in his assistant coaching role under Ricky Stuart at the Canberra Raiders, his stocks have soared in the wake of the record 30-0 thumping of the Kangaroos in Hamilton.

Michael Maguire with star Kiwi forward Joe Tapine during recent Pacific Championships. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

And it would certainly have the former South Sydney and Wigan premiership-winning mentor as one of the leading candidates if an NRL head coaching role was to come up at some point next season.

With the NRL also looking at expansion in the not too distant future, that could open up other opportunities in the very near future.

That could potentially also leave the Blues chasing another new coach as soon as next season given it would be unlikely Maguire could juggle coaching the New Zealand national team, the NSW Origin side as well as taking on a role as an NRL head coach.

But it is understood the Blues don’t see that as an issue worth worrying about at this point, and the feeling is they would certainly not stand in Maguire’s way even if that was to eventuate down the track.