‘Not gone down well’: NSW dirty over Michael Maguire exit

The truth behind Michael Maguire’s sudden decision to quit NSW has come to light as a attentions turn to a Blues legend.

Michael Maguire and Laurie Daley

Michael Maguire’s sudden exit from NSW to become Brisbane Broncos head coach has reportedly not gone down well with Blues officials as discussion turns to who could take on the state job next.

Maguire’s resignation as Blues coach, and appointment at the Broncos to replace the sacked Kevin Walters, were both made official on Tuesday morning.

The NSW Rugby League Board released a statement acknowledging Maguire’s success in guiding the Blues to a famous series win this year, and wishing the 50-year-old all the best.

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But behind the scenes there is some “tension” over Maguire’s exit, according to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler.

“I can tell you the Blues organisation is not happy,” Weidler said on The Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday. “We can sugarcoat it all we like ... but when they immediately got the news about the Broncos being interested their reaction was, well Michael Maguire pushed for a two-year deal.

“... I don’t think NSW are happy with the way things have turned out.

“There’s even talk that he did a review of some description for NSW late last week and didn’t mention the possibility of going to the Broncos and I don’t think that’s gone down well.”

Weidler said, however, any bad blood was unlikely to prevent Maguire from a return to the role in the future while also revealing former Blues coach Laurie Daley had emerged as one of “three to four” leading contenders to return to the role.

Michael Maguire and Laurie Daley

Told by Weidler “people of influence within the game” wanted him to get the job, Daley — a co-host of the Big Sports Breakfast program — clearly dodged the question.

However co-host and former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke stepped in to suggest Daley could be keen, but had earned the right not to have to apply for the role.

Daley coached the Blues to a drought-breaking 2014 series win but finished with a modest 6-9 win-loss record as he coached against a Queensland team littered with some of the best players ever to play the game.

“Have them come and ask him,” Clarke said of the prospect of Daley coaching NSW again. “This is only what I believe. But if somebody asks him, I think Loz will do it.

“If Loz has to apply, no chance. He’s been there, done that. He’s earned the right now. If New South Wales want him, come and ask him.”

Back in Blue? Laurie Daley is one of the contenders to replace Michael Maguire.

The NRL 360 panel discussed Maguire’s exit on Monday night with veteran Daily Telegraph journalist Phil Rothfield saying quitting to take the Broncos job should not be held against him.

“I’m not dirty on him at all and I think Origin jobs are temporary,” Rothfield said.

“They’re not head coaching roles. It’s not big money, it’s for eight weeks and a lot of work on the side ... and when a bigger opportunity (comes up) ... the Broncos coaching job is probably the number one gig in the game.”

Former NSW Blues player Braith Anasta added: “I’m just more disappointed than anything because now we’ve got to find someone else to replicate what he’s done, which is going to be hard to do.”

Originally published as ‘Not gone down well’: NSW dirty over Michael Maguire exit