Michael Maguire looks set to become one of the busiest men in rugby league during the 2024 season after he picked up his third coaching role.
Taking over from Brad Fittler in the NSW Blues setup, Maguire also has contracts with the New Zealand Kiwis and Canberra Raiders for the 2024 season.
Although it is unlikely for him to keep all three roles, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio revealed that the NSW board would be open to allowing him to maintain the Kiwis' role.
“My understanding is that NSW Rugby League don’t have an issue with Madge staying on as Kiwis coach,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It’s actually to that point where I don’t think we’ll see an actual contract signed and firm announcement of Madge being named as Blues coach until after these Pacific Championships.
“I think it shows the respect that they (have), they’re content with Madge to facilitate both roles and the fact that they’re willing to wait until the end of the Kiwis’ campaign to formally announce Madge as the next Blues coach.”
Riccio predicted that Maguire would more than likely have to give up his Raiders’ role in order to entirely concentrate on the Blues job.
“It’s going to be up to the Canberra board to determine if they want Madge jumping out of NRL land and into Origin land halfway through a season, and whether they want the consistency of the same staff,” Riccio added.
“I feel like if you wanted me to say which would he have to forgo, it would be the Raiders.”
Riccio continued with his understanding that the NSWRL would allow him to keep the Kiwis' job due to the timing of both side’s games in the year.
Maguire’s Kiwis will play their first Pacific Championships game against Toa Samoa next Saturday night.