New Zealand Kiwis coach Michael Maguire has confirmed his commitment to the national side after rumours linked him to a head coaching role at the NRL and Origin level.
Maguire, who recently coached the Tigers in 2022 joined the Raiders as an assistant coach whilst going into his fourth year at the helm of New Zealand.
With a vacant spot at the Dragons and Blues coach Brad Fittler facing serious questions regarding his future, Maguire has been touted as a logical candidate for both jobs.
When questioned if he could coach both NSW and the New Zealand Kiwis at the same time, Maguire admitted that it’s a blurry line for the time being.
“I can’t really answer, I’m really enjoying coaching the Kiwi boys,” Maguire told SEN 1170 Afternoons.
“But you always look at a situation, it would always be a dream to coach at the Origin arena but look, I’m very comfortable with what I’m doing at the moment.”
With pressure beginning to mount on Fittler and his future with the Blues, Maguire backs the NSW great to continue at the helm regardless of the end result of the 2023 series.
“I hope Freddy (Fittler) gets himself right and I hope they keep on going with Freddy, he’s obviously been there, and I know what it’s like to be a coach to have the different pressures come on you when you’re going through these periods,” Maguire added.
“I’d rather just say I’m very focused on what I’m doing at the moment but down the track one day is it something that I’d love to do? I’d love to be able to coach at that arena.”
If Fittler was to be shown the door after this year, many have floated the prospect of a current NRL coach holding a dual role, something that Maguire could see happening.
“Yes, you can (hold both roles), I was with Bellyache (Craig Bellamy) when he was (the coach of) NSW, I think it has a bit to do with your staff and where your organisation is at,” Maguire said.
“For myself personally it was one of the best things to ever happen to me as a coach because Bellamy would go off to coach NSW and I was able to take control a little bit more of the Melbourne Storm as an assistant coach.
“I think it actually helped the whole organisation, everyone had to stand when the coach wasn’t there… So, yes I do believe you can do it.”