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NSW only have themselves to blame for Michael Maguire's exit - and Billy Slater reveals exactly why

Blues officials are said to be unhappy about the coach departing to take up a deal with the Brisbane Broncos.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

OPINION

Amid reports NSW Blues officials are filthy with Michael Maguire for departing after just one series in charge, maybe they should take a look in the mirror when trying to find someone to blame. The NSW Rugby League board are said to be unhappy with the manner in which Maguire has exited the role to take up a three-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.

But a controversial move they made 12 months ago would have made Maguire's decision an absolute no-brainer. The NSW Origin coach was formerly employed on a full-time contract, but Brad Fittler confirmed last year when he stepped down that the role had been reduced to a part-time, four-month one.

Billy Slater and Michael Maguire with their wives.
Billy Slater has revealed he has no desire to spend less time with his wife and kids, but Michael Maguire was always keen to get back into full-time NRL coaching. Image: AAP/Getty

Fittler was actually offered a one-year extension for this year, but had no interest in taking a significant pay cut and moving to a part-time contract, so decided to withdraw from contention. Considering Maguire had always made it clear he had a desire to return to a full-time role in the NRL, should it be any surprise he chose a full-time, three-year deal over a part-time one on much less money?

The NSWRL board's unwillingness to employ a coach with a full-time role at an NRL club also cost them Maguire's services, as he always stated he wanted to get back into the day-to-day grind of club footy. On Tuesday, former NSW player Aaron Woods blasted Maguire for "using" the Blues role as a stepping stone to get to his preferred job.

Michael Maguire during his time as NSW Blues coach. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Michael Maguire only lasted one series in charge of the NSW Blues. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Welcome to the real world Woodsy. That sort of thing goes on at workplaces all over Australia every year. People are well within their rights to take a job they don't necessarily see as a long-term option until something more preferable pops up, and that's exactly what Maguire has done.

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The damning truth for the NSWRL board is they brought it upon themselves by reducing the contract and employing a coach who they knew had different goals in mind. The NSW board and fans should be grateful for everything Maguire achieved in 2024 and realistic that joining an NRL club was always on the cards.

And that's the exact sentiment expressed by NSW stars Isaah Yeo and Jarome Luai on Tuesday. Luai said: "I understand the role he wants to be in. He wants to be coaching week in, week out. I think it was a bit hard for him after we did win that series to then say 'What's next for me?' I respect his decision, he's got a family as well, and I think he's got ambitions to do great things with the club."

If the board are set on refusing to use a coach with a full-time role in the NRL, their challenge will be finding someone who won't depart when a better gig opens up. Queensland have found the perfect person in Billy Slater, as he's a Maroons legend and someone the players want to play for, while also holding no desire to jump into a full-time NRL role.

Slater has been linked to the Broncos and Eels jobs in recent times, but has declared he loves the flexibility of the part-time gig with Queensland. It allows him to spend more time with his young family and keep his media jobs with Channel 9.

Billy Slater and wife Nicole, pictured here after the State of Origin series in 2023.
Billy Slater with wife Nicole after the State of Origin series in 2023. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“I am all in for the Queensland job and if I’m not coaching Queensland, I’m not coaching anyone else,” Slater said previously. “It’s not so much the pressure of the NRL job. I’m not worried about that.

"But it’s a huge commitment being an NRL coach - it’s an 11-month of the year, seven days a week job. I’ve been in and around the NRL environment for over two decades now. I understand what those NRL coaches put into it and it’s all in.

"Where I am at with my life and my family, I don’t foresee myself in the near future ever becoming an NRL coach. Maybe that changes down the track - you never say never - but I’m here to do my part for Queensland. I’m happy in this role and if I’m not the Queensland head coach, well, I’m not a coach.”

It's believed Slater would only entertain becoming an NRL head coach if the Melbourne Storm job opened up. But long-time coach Craig Bellamy will continue in 2025, and has no firm date on when he wants to retire.