NZRL put trust in Maguire

‘‘It’s really important that we get a coach that is here for the long haul,’’ Martyn said. ‘‘We are leading up to the start of a cycle for the next World Cup and we’ve got to treat it that way. He fully understands that and I’ve got every confidence that he’ll be there for the World Cup.’’

Maguire believes coaching an NRL team, alongside a tier one nation, as Wayne Bennett also does with the Broncos and England, will make him a better coach.

‘‘I’ve been very open with Hugh and Reon (Edwards, NZRL chair) and they’re very comfortable with me doing that,’’ Maguire said.

‘‘I think in many ways it would help me with the job because you watch so much football, you’re plying your trade daily.

‘‘But that’s not to say I’m not going to be at my best now.

Maguire beat out former New South Wales boss Laurie Daley for the role.

Although the Kiwis have had a dreadful time of it of late, Maguire believes in the potential of the New Zealand national team.

‘‘I want to be able to build something special for the New Zealand people,’’ he said.

Maguire said the ‘‘door is always open’’ to the likes of Jason Taumalolo, who elected to play for Tonga at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. He said he had talked to the selectors about players such as Taumalolo, and would be pleased to welcome him back into the environment.

Maguire’s first assignment will be the historic test in Denver against England on June 23. The Kiwis also play Australia in Auckland in October before a three-test tour of England followed by a one-off test against France.