‘I’m big on form’: Five burning questions facing new Blues coach Maguire

New NSW coach Michael Maguire said form will trump incumbency when he selects his first State of Origin team, putting some of his biggest stars on notice.

Maguire unveiled his support staff after officially being confirmed as Brad Fittler’s successor at Blues headquarters on Thursday. The biggest coup is Frank Ponissi, Craig Bellamy’s right-hand man, as team performance manager. Other new staffers are former NSW players John Cartwright, Matt King and Brett White, all premiership-winning players who are assistant coaches at their respective clubs.

Andrew Gray is the physical performance manager and Sean Edwards will oversee strength and conditioning.

Several big selection issues include whether to stick with James Tedesco as captain and fullback, who will partner Nathan Cleary in the halves and also the left-wing spot.

“I’m going to keep a very open page on where I go. “I’m big on form. The biggest thing I can say to the players is just come and play the best footy you can play. That’s going to play a part in who is picked.

“When you’ve got people in really good form coming into camp, with a really positive mindset about how you want to do things [that counts for a lot. I’m looking forward to letting the players go and play and then we can have discussions around what’s going to work for NSW.

“Just go and play, enjoy doing what you’re doing. When the time comes, we’ll pick the team.”

We look at the big calls “Madge” must make to stop the Maroons winning a third straight Origin series.

Is time up for Tedesco?

It was the big selection storyline this year, and nothing will change in 2024. James Tedesco, the NSW and Australia skipper, has been the first player picked for several seasons. However, a rare dip in form coincided with an upsurge from fellow fullback Dylan Edwards and Scott Drinkwater. There will be even more competition for the No.1 jersey next year if Tom Trbojevic, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Latrell Mitchell remain fit, while Stephen Crichton could be another contender if he plays at the back for new club Canterbury.

Tedesco’s performances improved at the end of the season, but he can’t afford a slow start to the year. The Roosters star has indicated he won’t be retiring from representative football, meaning Maguire may be forced into a tough decision.

If Tedesco is dropped, who will be the new captain?

The standout candidates are Cameron Murray, Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary. The Panthers stars share the duties at club level and Maguire isn’t averse to appointing co-captains. Murray holds the role at South Sydney and, like the Penrith duo, is considered an automatic Blues selection.

James Tedesco wants to play on for the Blues.Credit: Getty

Cleary has handled all the responsibilities thrown at him during his stellar career, but it remains to be seen if Maguire would want to further burden his chief playmaker.

Tedesco has captained the past four series. Given he will turn 31 in January, it’s unlikely he will break back into the side. Dropping him next year would likely mean dropping him permanently.

Who will Maguire choose for his brains trust?

Maguire named his new support staff on Thursday, but may look outside that group for advice. He has a good relationship with Matty Johns and Phil Gould, who endorsed him for the role. Even if Johns and Gould aren’t given formal roles, they will be just a phone call away to bounce ideas off. Laurie Daley is another close friend who Maguire can lean on for advice.

Incoming NSW coach Michael Maguire.

Who will partner Nathan Cleary in the halves?

Cody Walker is the incumbent and combined well with Bradman Best in game three this year. However, Walker’s form at the end of the season tailed off to the point where he isn’t a guaranteed starter.

Jarome Luai’s combination with Cleary is tried and tested at club level, but has produced only mixed results in the Origin arena. The Panthers five-eighth has a record of three wins from seven matches against the Maroons.

The other option is Nicho Hynes. The Cronulla pivot spent time alongside Cleary during the season-ending Kangaroos Tests and has the advantage of being able to easily shift from No.6 to No.7 if Cleary is injured during the game.

Should Joseph Suaalii play Origin?

Brian To’o is a certain selection as winger and can play on the right or left, which gives Maguire some flexibility. So who plays on the opposite flank? Josh Addo-Carr is the incumbent, but isn’t a guaranteed pick. Daniel Tupou has done the job before, but his Roosters teammate may have a say in the matter. Suaalii is a big body who defends strongly and carries the ball back with vigour from his own end. It will be fascinating to see how the Roosters use him, given they have three-quarter options in Dom Young, Tupou, Joseph Manu and Billy Smith. Let’s see if Maguire puts a line through Suaalii because of his rugby defection.

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