Timeline: When NSW Blues will begin search for new State of Origin coach after Michael Maguire exit

Less than 72 hours after outlining his plan to defend the State of Origin shield in 2025, Michael Maguire signed a three-year deal with the Broncos. DAVID RICCIO reveals when the Blues will begin scouting for Maguire’s replacement.

Michael Maguire stood in front of the NSWRL board last Friday morning and outlined his plan to defend the State of Origin shield in 2025.

The presentation unfolded the morning after Kevin Walters had been sacked at the Broncos.

Despite quickly emerging as a $1.04 favourite to take over from Walters, Maguire made no mention of the opening at the Broncos to the NSWRL board during his review of the 2024 series and preview of next year.

Just 72-hours later on Monday afternoon, Maguire had secured his release from his NSWRL contract to join the Broncos on a three-year deal.

What is left is the state of NSW on the hunt for a new Origin coach, just 12 months after going through the exact same process to appoint Maguire.

It’s a far from ideal situation given the recovery of the Blues to beat Queensland for the first time since 2021.

Not that the NSWRL are overly shocked that Maguire has taken an NRL job, rather how it unfolded just hours after the Blues coach presented his vision for the future.

What the NSWRL board aren’t about to do is rush into a decision on who will replace Maguire.

This masthead understands the NSWRL board are at least a month away from launching their search.

Having scaled back the contract of the Origin coach from a salary-based contract for former coach Brad Fittler, to a part-time contract with Maguire, the NSWRL aren’t under any financial obligation or pressure to rush a new coach into the role.

It’s anticipated that the process will commence in earnest by November.

What the NSWRL already has, is a list of candidates that showed serious interest in the job last year.

There is a push for Laurie Daley to return to the role, however, that was also the case last year and the NSWRL ultimately opted to go with Maguire.

Ricky Stuart, another popular candidate, wanted to commit his focus towards mentoring his young Raiders roster this season.

Whether that belief has changed in the space of 12-months remains to be seen.

Sea Eagles assistant coach and Fox League commentator Michael Ennis also has increasing support with Blues hardman Mark Geyer calling for the former NSW hooker to be strongly considered.

With their strong rapport with the current squad, Maguire’s assistant coaches Matt King and Brett White were highly impressive during the most recent series.

Former NSW assistant coaches and champion Blues players Paul McGregor and Trent Barrett will also be viewed as options.

“NSWRL will commence a recruitment process to appoint a new coach in due course. The organisation will be making no further comment at this time,” a NSWRL statement read.