In Maguire we trust: NZRL
The NZRL has taken Michael Maguire on his word that he won’t leave the Kiwis in the lurch.
The former Wigan and Rabbitohs boss was confirmed yesterday as the new coach of the Kiwis and is contracted through to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
At 44, Maguire is still in his prime as a coach and remains ambitious about taking charge of another NRL team.
It was because of the desire to coach in the NRL again that led to Des Hasler withdrawing his application to be David Kidwell’s successor.
However, while Maguire wants to return to the NRL, he will do it only if he can keep coaching the Kiwis.
That might be a tough stance to continue to take if the Broncos or Roosters came knocking but NZRL acting chief executive Hugh Martyn says they believe Maguire when he says he’ll turn down any NRL job that doesn’t allow him to continue with the Kiwis.
‘‘It was clearly a question that was asked of every applicant,’’ Martyn said.
‘‘Michael gave us an answer that he’s going to put this as a priority and if a future opportunity can’t include this, he won’t take that opportunity.
‘‘We take him at his word and there’s no reason for us not to.’’
When Stephen Kearney stood down as the coach of the Kiwis, shortly before the team was about to embark for a Four Nations tournament to England, it left the NZRL scrambling for a successor less than a year out from hosting the World Cup.
The NZRL doesn’t want a repeat of that.
‘‘It’s really important we get a coach who 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. ‘‘I just want to impart as much knowledge as I can to people in the New Zealand game. It’s going to give me the opportunity to build the game from juniors all the way through.’’
Asked how he would work with the New Zealand team culture, Maguire said he would wait to assess where the organisation was at before making any decisions.
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 threetest tour of England, followed by a one-off test against France.