Are today’s football stars selfish and spoiled compared to previous greats? NSW Origin coach Michael Maguire weighs in – and reveals the only two teams he thinks can win the 2024 NRL grands prix
Triumphant NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire believes modern NRL stars live lives where their day-to-day existence is “magnified by social media”. He’s thankful Facebook, TikTok and Instagram weren’t around when he played.
The man affectionately known as ‘Madge’ also couldn’t tell the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers apart when asked who he thinks will become premier next month at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
“For the guys in today’s football…life is magnified through social media,” Maguire said in an interview with Daily Mail Australia on Friday.
‘It certainly provides a platform with fans… but in my day it was very different.
People seem to forget [sometimes] “There are enough good characters in the game.”
Before leading the Blues to glory at Origin level this year, Maguire was a utility back with the likes of Canberra and the defunct Adelaide Rams in the Super League when he pulled on his boots.
The 50-year-old then went on to work as assistant to Mal Meninga and Matthew Elliott at the Raiders, before moving to Melbourne to work under Craig Bellamy.
Wigan Warriors then came knocking for the 2010 UK Super League season and Maguire delivered by winning both the minor premiership and grand final in his first season in charge.
NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire (right) believes today’s NRL stars live lives where their day-to-day existence is ‘magnified by social media’
It comes after Maguire, affectionately known as ‘Madge’, orchestrated an impressive Origin series win for NSW over Queensland this year
Connor Watson was a bold choice in the eyes of some Blues fans, but Maguire had no doubt the hooker would hold his own in rugby league’s toughest arena (pictured, after winning the series in Brisbane)
Maguire’s appointment of Jake Trbojevic (left) as captain of the NSW Blues proved to be a masterstroke
The achievement did not go unnoticed by NRL clubs and in 2012 Maguire became head coach of South Sydney.
Two years later he immersed himself in Rabbitohs folklore after winning the NRL championship with a convincing performance in the grand final against the Bulldogs.
“It was a great group of players but I wouldn’t say it was a strong team,” he said as he reflected on the decisive match almost a decade ago.
Sure, we had guys like Sam [Burgess] and Greg [Inglis]but what I enjoyed was developing guys like Dylan [Walker], [Luke] Keary and Api Koroisau.
“We’ve all seen what those guys have accomplished in sports.”
After leaving Redfern in 2017, a challenging period at the Wests Tigers followed.
Success was hard to come by at the joint venture club, but Maguire stressed that he was fortunate to “meet some incredible people who he connected with.”
“It was a challenging time, but that’s life,” he said as he reflected on his time at Concord.
In 2014, Maguire delved into Rabbitohs folklore after winning the NRL premiership (pictured)
Lean times followed when Maguire was head coach of the troubled Wests Tigers
Maguire was keen to combine both roles as manager of the Kiwis and NSW Blues, but an ultimatum from the New Zealand Rugby League Board meant he would focus solely on the Origin arena
Maguire believes the NRL championship is a race between Melbourne and Penrith, but he is excited about watching Nicho Hynes and the Sharks during the finals series
After leading the Kiwis to a 30-0 victory over the Kangaroos in last year’s Pacific Championships final, Maguire’s coaching credentials have once again soared.
In December he replaced Brad Fittler as head coach of the NSW Blues. Although Maguire was keen to combine both representative roles, he was given an ultimatum by the New Zealand Rugby League board and decided to focus solely on the Origin arena.
After Joseph Sua’ali was shown a red card inside 10 minutes at Accor Stadium for a high tackle on Reece Walsh, Queensland secured a huge win in the season opener, but Maguire was not worried.
He had faith in his team and admitted that the subsequent ‘glass house’ comments to Billy Slater were not intentional and only got worse as the mind games intensified in the run-up to the second leg at the MCG.
“For me, the key to our success was the way the players felt involved. Their passion was clear, they wanted to make history,” he said.
‘You always hear about Queensland DNA… well we felt it was time to project Blues DNA… from captain Jake Trbojevic to the support staff, everyone agreed.’
As for his future, Maguire is happy to continue coaching NSW but admits returning to the NRL as head coach is still a goal.
He also couldn’t split Penrith or Melbourne when it comes to the 2024 NRL premierships.
“I look at three things…the health of teams at this time of year, their spine and defense,” he said.
‘You would think Penrith would be there as it looks like the Storm is building.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Nicho [Hynes] “What you can do at the Sharks is be a very good player.”
