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'If the right one comes along' - Kiwis coach open to taking NRL job

September 25, 2018

Michael Maguire says he could balance club and country commitments.

Kiwis coach Michael Maguire didn't reject the idea he's available to take over an NRL side, although did say he'd be able to balance club and country coaching commitments.

Maguire, 44, took over as the Kiwis coach earlier this year, having achieved success at club level with the Wigan Warriors in the UK Super League, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL.

However, despite only being with the Kiwis a short time, Maguire has been linked with a number of high profile NRL jobs, with the likes of the Brisbane Broncos and Manly Sea Eagles reported to be vying for his services.

Speaking to 1 NEWS, Maguire did little to shut down the idea of returning to the NRL, but insisted that it wouldn't come at the cost of his role in charge of the Kiwis.

"I don't really pay too much attention to it," he said.

"I'm very focused on what we're doing with the Kiwi team.

"I'm well aware of those sorts of things going on. If the right one comes along, I've been talking to with everyone that's in charge of the Kiwi team, and they're aware of how I'd handle both of those if it comes about."

Maguire gave the example of current Broncos coach Wayne Bennett, who juggles the role of England's national coach as well as that of his day-to-day work in Brisbane, adding that the New Zealand setup was strong enough to compensate for a possible second job.

"You look at other teams, like the England model, they've obviously got a coach working in club land."

"The staff around the New Zealand set up is very strong.

"It's not just about one person, it's not just about the coach. It's about everyone that's involved.

"I've got a lot of great people in and around the NZRL, and I think they're a major reason why we'll march forward as a group."

Maguire refused to answer questions about the possibility of taking over at the Sea Eagles.

"I don't really want to go deep into that.

"I'm really focused around the Kiwi connection, and where we're going with that team.

"Moving forward, I'll be transparent with everyone when the time's right."

Maguire and the Kiwis are next in action against the Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium on October 13.

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