Michael Maguire is not in contention for the Parramatta Eels’ head coaching job, focusing on the NSW Blues

NSW coach Michael Maguire has pulled out of the race for Parramatta’s vacant head coaching role, saying his primary focus is leading the state for the next couple of years.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire speaks to the media during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin Media Session at Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park on June 04, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Michael Maguire has ruled himself out of contention for the Parramatta Eels coaching job.

Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos has confirmed that Maguire has declared his primary focus is on coaching the NSW State of Origin team, of which he contracted for both the 2024 and 2025 series.

Maguire had been on a shortlist of coaching options to replace Brad Arthur at Parramatta.

However, in the wake of a conversation with the Blues coach in the last 48-hours, Parramatta have decided to move on without the former Rabbitohs premiership-winning coach.

“We reached out to Madge (Maguire) post Origin I regarding his interest in the head coaching job at the Eels and he shared that his sole focus is on the NSW Origin team,” Sarantinos told News Corp.

“We respect his position but our process will continue and therefore he will not be part of it moving forward.”

Michael Maguire wants to focus on the Blues. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

It’s understood the Eels weren’t prepared to wait until after the State of Origin series is over – following game three on July 18 – to decide who their next coach will be.

They are eager to appoint a new coach in order to commence the club’s new direction and first change in leadership in 11 years.

The Eels will now focus on an interview process that includes coaching candidates Josh Hannay, Jason Ryles, Trent Barrett, Michael Cheika and Brian McDermott.

It’s understood meetings with each of the candidates will begin this week.

Maguire’s decision to pour his entire focus on saving the series with NSW has emerged in the wake of Barrett, the Eels interim coach, confirming his interest in taking charge following previous NRL coaching stints with Manly and Canterbury.

“I didn’t want to say too much the first few weeks. It’s always a hard one when you’re very close to the head coach and there’s movement there,” Barrett told 2GB radio.

“But we’ve all got to move forward as well and it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed.

“Parramatta is a really good club, it’s a very stable club and we’ve got a good side. I’ve found this experience completely different to the last two I’ve had. I’m in a good position where I’m there, in the shop window every day with the powers that be.

“But it’s certainly going to help if we can continue winning games.

“I’d love an opportunity to coach them long-term, but that’s a little bit out of my control, I suppose.

“If we go out and keep winning, that will help. But, my main focus is the players. I’ve just got to get them to win this week and prepare them as best we can.”

The Eels are chasing back-to-back wins under Barrett when they tackle the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Monday.

Originally published as Michael Maguire is not in contention for the Parramatta Eels’ head coaching job, focusing on the NSW Blues