State of Origin: Eight to 10 contenders apply for vacant NSW Blues job, but none that are current NRL head coaches

The NSWRL board will meet to discuss contenders for the vacant NSW State of Origin job after a number of formal applications, however no current NRL coaches will be among the conversation.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 08: (L-R) Isaah Yeo of the Blues, Blues head coach Michael Maguire and Jake Trbojevic of the Blues pose during a NSW Blues State of Origin media opportunity at NSWRL Centre of Excellence on July 08, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Eight to 10 candidates have formally applied for the prestigious NSW State of Origin coaching job – but none are NRL head coaches.

The NSWRL board will meet on Thursday to discuss the coaching position vacated by Michael Maguire after just one season.

Multiple contenders have lodged official interest with the board to draw up a short-list at the meeting.

This masthead understands the board won’t consider any applicant who hasn’t officially applied for the position.

There is also an outside chance, should directors find common ground, that a preferred candidate could be nominated at the meeting.

No applicants are current NRL head coaches.

No NRL head coaches have applied to take over the NSW Origin head coach job vacated by Michael Maguire. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

The NSWRL doesn’t have a policy banning NRL coaches from seeking the position but individual clubs do not want their coaches away on Origin duty for long periods during a season.

Laurie Daley, Geoff Toovey, Danny Buderus, Paul McGregor, Mick Ennis, Matt King, Brian Smith and Trent Barrett have been touted as possibilities but the final official list has remained secret.

If a preferred candidate can be reached, the board would then interview the successful applicant to find out his plans around support staff.

From there, the process could unfold quickly with the possibility a coach could be publicly named late this month or early December.

No candidate has yet been approached by the NSWRL although the board is aware of each applicant’s qualifications and background.

Once a coach has been agreed on by the board, the NSWRL also wants to contact the unsuccessful contenders to explain their decision before any public announcement.

All candidates will present robust resumes.

Some interviewees may try to enhance their chances by putting forward a coaching partnership with a current NRL coach, who could assist on a part-time basis.

A push for Craig Bellamy would seem strange given he lives in Melbourne and the Blues already have Storm football manager Frank Ponissi on their support staff.

It is unknown whether Maguire’s support staff would remain and work under a new coach.

While refusing to say it publicly, many at the NSWRL insist an NRL coach wouldn’t have the necessary time to also coach the Blues.

Despite not having a coach, NSW are $1.68 favourites to be 2025 series winners with Queensland paying $2.20, according to TAB.

In his only season as Blues coach, Maguire inspired NSW to victory before quitting to join the Brisbane Broncos.

Originally published as State of Origin: Eight to 10 contenders apply for vacant NSW Blues job, but none that are current NRL head coaches