New Zealand Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has revealed that he still has a burning desire to return as an NRL head coach despite his tumultuous last months at the Wests Tigers.
After weeks of speculation and innuendo, Maguire was sacked by the Tigers last month following a 3-9 start to the 2022 season.
Maguire said that his role with the Kiwis and some time away from club-land has given him much-needed time to reflect and he said that he is still as keen as ever to return to the NRL as a head coach.
“Yes, it is,” Maguire said on 1170 SEN Breakfast in response to whether he still wants to coach in the NRL.
“It’s been quite refreshing (have some time off) after what I had to go through the last couple of months.
“I am feeling for everyone in that organisation (Tigers).
“I love coaching and I have always stated that.
“I do enjoy building young men and turning them into superstars within the game and that is something that has always been a passion.
“I’ll keep chasing that wherever it takes me.”
Maguire is currently at the helm of one of the most impressive squads that New Zealand rugby league has ever assembled with the likes of Joey Manu, Jahrome Hughes and Brandon Smith all set to wear the black jersey.
Maguire believes that the return of rugby league to New Zealand is fantastic not just for the country, but for the growth of rugby league as a whole.
“It’s enormous (and) the people cannot wait,” he said.
“After two and a half years of nor rugby league and the importance of what this game means…it’s huge for the country but I think it’s really huge for the game as well.
“Rugby league is very special for the people over here…and it’s been taken out of the country for such a long time.
“The Kiwis playing and the Warriors coming back the following week, rugby league is back on the radar.
“It’s going to be a massive game.”
The Kiwis take on Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on June 25.