‘I am going to the World Cup’: Maguire committed to seeing out Kiwis contract
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Amid reports he is the preferred candidate for the vacant NSW Blues head coach position, Michael Maguire says he is committed to coaching the Kiwis at the 2026 World Cup.
Maguire addressed the New Zealand playing group upon their arrival in camp on Saturday in Auckland and reaffirmed his commitment to remaining in the role, before doubling down on Monday by telling media "100 percent I am going to the World Cup".
"I can assure you now that is my plan... I want nothing more to than to be able to stand with my players and achieve [World Cup] success," Maguire said.
"I want to be a part of the team, to be successful, over long periods of time.
I am 100 percent committed with the boys... I love coaching the Kiwis.
Michael Maguire
"I really do enjoy coaching the boys at this level."
With both the NSW and New Zealand jobs being part-time roles, it is feasible that the 2014 premiership-winning coach could do both, although it's unclear what would happen with the senior NRL consultant role Maguire holds at the Raiders.
Pacific Championships Round Up : Week 1
Maguire has a year to run on his contract with Canberra, having signed on for two years in October last year.
Ahead of taking on Toa Samoa in what will be New Zealand's opening game of the Pacific Championships, several Kiwis players told NRL.com of their hope that Maguire would remain with them long term, after he was re-appointed earlier this year.
Match: Kiwis v Toa Samoa
Week 2 -
home Team
Kiwis
1st Position
away Team
Toa Samoa
3rd Position
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Experienced back-rower Isaiah Papali'i said if required Maguire was the type of coach who could handle both the NSW and New Zealand jobs simultaneously.
"He is always up for a challenge, so if he wants to do it then I’d say he could do it easily," Papali'i said.
"He told us he just loves the boys and loves the jersey.
"For the next 20 days it’s all about us and the Kiwis jersey. Anything else is not of interest at the moment."
Maguire meanwhile expects new captain James Fisher-Harris to retain his new role through until the next World Cup, following the international retirement of former captain Jesse Bromwich.
Fisher-Harris, who is a three-time premiership winner with the Panthers, will play his 13th Test when he takes on Samoa at Eden Park.
"There is no reason why he won't be doing it for a long time," Maguire said.
"He has got great respect from the players, that's one thing you see.
"The way he carries himself right throughout a season and then in and around the Kiwis, it was a pretty easy choice."
