Blues Origin greats want major overhaul after Michael Maguire selection
State of Origin greats Mark Carroll and Benny Elias urge the Blues to do things differently under Michael Maguire.
New South Wales greats are calling for a different approach under new coach Michael Maguire. Mark Carroll and Benny Elias believe the former Tigers coach is the right man to bring success to NSW but need to change things up and focus on players who will play with pride.
Maguire won the race to be the next NSW State of Origin coach after Brad Fittler walked away last month after six years in charge. In Fittler's time heading the Blues, he was heavily scrutinised for blooding debutants and if they didn't perform hooking them for the next game. The likes of Tevita Pangai Jr, Stefano Utoikamanu and Nicho Hynes all made their Blues debuts this year but only lasted a single game.
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Carroll says he wants to see a focus on pride being put back in the Blues badge. He told Fox Sports that Maguire is the perfect man to do that as he is a players coach and the type of leader that "players want to run through brick walls for".
“He’s always been a good coach, have a look at what’s happened at the Tigers since he left, it’s an absolute sh**fight,' Carroll said. It’s like the rugby union, it’s not the coach, it’s the people at the top and the fish always rots from the top."
"I’m hoping his latest appointment rejuvenates the NSW players so when they do get selected that I see every player come in with passion and the want to play for that badge and put pride in it." Elias, who made 19 appearances for NSW, said Maguire needs to select the best 17 available and disregard loyalty when he takes over.
“You need to pick the best 17 players available, irrespective of the past, it’s a clean slate and Madge must pick the 17 best players,” Elias said. “You can’t pick and stick (from this year’s teams) because we’ve lost the last two series."
Mat Rogers fears for future of State of Origin series
Mat Rogers, who played five State of Origin games for Queensland, believes the future of the series could be in trouble if NSW don't step up. “I know it’s a six-week program in terms of the coaching program but it’s bigger than that, it is so important that role,” Rogers said.
“I don’t think State of Origin survives the way that we know as we do now, I don’t think it survives another six or seven-year dynasty from Queensland, I know Queenslanders will show up. If NSW go through another four or five years of getting towelled up, I just don’t think they show up to the games, I think they throw their hands up.
“Are they taking this seriously? Are they actually putting the resources that it deserves based on what this generates, what it creates and what it means to your state? Are you really offering a part-time role?"
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