State of Origin: 11 contenders to replace Michael Maguire as NSW Blues coach

In a major development that will have huge implications for the NSW Blues, Michael Maguire has vacated his head coaching role to join the Broncos. Select your 2025 NSW Blues coach.

NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The search to replace Michael Maguire as NSW Origin coach has begun.

The NSWRL board has confirmed Maguire has been released from his two-year contract immediately to join the Brisbane Broncos.

The Broncos, on Tuesday morning, confirmed Maguire had agreed terms on a three-year deal to replace Kevin Walters as Brisbane look to snap a 19-year premiership drought next season.

The shock revelation means Maguire has walked away from the Blues head coaching role after just one series.

“The New South Wales Rugby League Board has agreed to a request from Michael Maguire to be immediately released from his contract,” an official statement read on Tuesday morning.

Michael Maguire’s Blues stint lasted just one season. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“The organisation wishes to acknowledge a successful tenure on the part of Michael Maguire culminating in the 2024 State of Origin series win. We wish Michael and his family the very best for the future.

“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.”

Maguire had signed a two-year deal to replace Brad Fittler as Blues head coach ahead of the 2024 State of Origin series, taking NSW to a 2-1 series win, reclaiming the shield for the first time since 2021.

It is a bitter blow for the Blues, after Maguire got the better of Queensland coach Billy Slater, despite losing the opening game of the series.

Maguire went into the series with a distinct mindset of how he wanted to play, and made the tough choice to replace captain and fullback James Tedesco with Penrith custodian Dylan Edwards, among a raft of key decisions.

They won’t be easy shoes to fill.

As was the case 12 months ago, the list of candidates is poised to emerge as NSW Origin options include a distinct divide between the past and the present.

Passionate and proven NSW coaches that will come under consideration include Ricky Stuart, Phil Gould and Laurie Daley.

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

The NSWRL also boasts a lengthy list of rising stars of the coaching ranks that have Blues Origin passion coursing through their veins.

They include Michael Ennis, Ben Hornby, Dean Young, Brett White and Matt King.

Both White and King are members of Maguire’s current coaching staff.

John Cartwright was also part of the Blues 2024 series coaching staff, however he has recently moved to the UK to commence as head coach of Hull FC.

Originally published as State of Origin: 11 contenders to replace Michael Maguire as NSW Blues coach