Newly appointed NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has outlined his vision for the team ahead of the 2024 NRL season.
The Blues parted ways with former coach Brad Fittler and the end of the 2023 State of Origin series after losing back-to-back series despite boasting the best players in the NRL.
Maguire has kicked off his NSW Blues duties with a two-day camp in which 36 players have gathered. Maguire told SEN that his wish was to unite all sections of NSW to get behind the Blues.
“The reason behind me wanting to do this role is to (bring together) a town of 4 million plus,” Maguire said on SEN.
“I want to show the people of NSW from the city, to the country and to the beaches to galvanise and get behind a team they can be proud of.
“It’s something that I really enjoy and that starts this weekend (at camp).
“I have brought a lot of quality players together and have had some high quality conversations with some of the boys who have been around the Origin arena.
“You can see what it means to them and the fact they want to perform for the people of NSW.
“We have had a mixed bag of results and all the players are hungry to build something special.”
Maguire has already been active in trying to persuade Jack Wighton to return to the representative arena following his retirement from rep footy last season.
“I enjoyed working in Canberaa over the last 12 months with Ricky Stuart and the playing group including Jack,” Maguire added.
“Jack wants to settle himself in Sydney and with his new club (the Rabbitohs).
“He’s still retired but I told him to get himself playing and see how he’s travelling.
“We’ll have a discussion as the season transpires. We all know he’s a big game player whenever he’s in that arena.
“In time, I’m sure Jack will decide whether he’s ready to go again.”
State of Origin Game I will be held at Accor Stadium in Sydney on June 5.
