State of Origin 2024: Michael Maguire, NSW Blues move base to Blue Mountains

Coach Michael Maguire has made the unprecedented decision to move Blues’ camp away from city and coastal honeytraps. See where the Blues will prepare for the 2024 State of Origin series.

Michael Maguire is doing things his way.

Michael Maguire’s vow to take NSW in a new direction has taken its first major step with the Blue Mountains set to be ratified as the training base of the Blues.

The unprecedented decision to prepare for the first time in the mountains of Sydney is where Maguire will implement his battle plan for NSW to bring down Queensland.

The Daily Telegraph has learned the NSWRL are in the final stages of negotiating a deal with the four-star Fairmont Resort, where the Blues will be based for at least six days prior to game one of the State of Origin series on June 5 at Accor Stadium.

It’s anticipated that the Blues will use the playing fields of Blue Mountains Grammar School for their field and ballwork sessions.

If the deal is ratified, which could be achieved as soon as this week, the Fairmont Resort management team are even contemplating building a new training ground at Leura Golf Course for the Blues to use in 2025 and 2026, which would also include a state of the art gymnasium.

Michael Maguire is doing things his way.

Maguire, who replaced Brad Fittler after six years at the helm of the Blues, is determined to break new ground with the state side by offering the players a fresh and new-look camp experience.

The Blues have previously used Coogee, Kingscliff on the NSW north coast and Coffs Harbour, as training bases.

The picturesque location of the Blues will prompt some fans to recall the infamous horse riding incident in 1999 when NSW forward Robbie Kearns was bucked from a horse and dislocated his shoulder in the Kangaroo Valley. However, Maguire’s Blues are unlikely to be venturing any further than the local golf course or cafe’s.

The move to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains will add a new point of interest and intrigue as to how Maguire prepares the Blues.

The infamous bonding session didn’t end well for Robbie Kearns.

The Blue Mountains will also provide the NSW State of Origin team with the chance to focus on bringing down Billy Slater’s Maroons away from the honey traps of Sydney.

Given its proximity to regional areas such as Lithgow, Mudgee and Bathurst, Maguire, along with the NSWRL board, are committed to connecting with country NSW during their Blue Mountains camp.

Maguire has been busy attending matches every weekend as he prepares to name his Origin I team.

Most recently he was spotted at PointsBet Stadium on Sunday night where he was analysing the performances of key Raiders and Sharks players.