The worst kept secret in rugby league has been confirmed after the Broncos announced Michael Maguire as their head coach following his release by the NSW Rugby League.
A Broncos announcement was made on Tuesday with Maguire named as Kevvie Walters’ successor at Red Hill following his sacking last week.
Maguire has signed a three year deal to coach the Broncos and will begin when pre-season starts in a matter of weeks.
The 50-year-old has 303 NRL and Super League games under his belt as a coach at Wigan, South Sydney and the Wests Tigers, including leading the Rabbitohs to their first Premiership in 43 years in 2014 and Wigan to their first title and Challenge Cup victory in many years.
Maguire also coached the New Zealand national team for 18 Tests from 2018-23, moving them to first in the world rankings, as well as leading New South Wales to an Origin series victory earlier this year.
Maguire was introduced as Brisbane coach to a media contingent at Broncos HQ on Tuesday morning and he spoke about his “hunger” to lead a team to another NRL premiership.
“I’m not going to put a timeline (on a premiership) but I’m in a rush,” Maguire said.
“I’ll work every single day to make sure we improve.
“Winning a grand final would be extremely special but I know there’s a lot of work to be done starting today.”
Maguire, who left his contract with the Blues a year early to take up this new gig, was also asked about coaching Broncos and Maroons star Reece Walsh, who was knocked out of the first Origin clash by a brutal high shot from NSW centre Joseph Suaalii.
A reporter asked Maguire if there would be any bad blood with Walsh, with Maguire replying:
“Nah. I’m sure we’ll have a laugh about that one.”
In a wide-ranging press conference, Maguire answered questions on some of the Broncos’ stars, how the new job came about and his exit from NSWRL.
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