The worst kept secret in rugby league is set to be confirmed after the Broncos announced Michael Maguire as their head coach following his release by the NSW Rugby League.
A Broncos announcement was made on Tuesday with Maguire named as Kevvie Walters’ successor at Red Hill following his sacking last week.
Maguire has signed a three year deal to coach the Broncos and will begin when pre-season starts in a matter of weeks.
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He will start with the club immediately, ahead of the beginning of the 2025 pre-season in early November.
It comes after Gorden Tallis took aim at the Broncos and Maguire in a stunning spray in defence of close friend Walters.
“The Brisbane Broncos have appointed Michael Maguire as the club’s NRL Head Coach.
Maguire, who has coached successfully at NRL, Super League, State of Origin and Test level, joins the Broncos on a three-year contract,” the Broncos said in a statement.
The 50-year-old has 303 NRL and Super League games under his belt as a coach at Wigan, South Sydney and the Wests Tigers, including leading the Rabbitohs to their first Premiership in 43 years in 2014 and Wigan to their first title and Challenge Cup victory in many years.
Maguire also coached the New Zealand national team for 18 Tests from 2018-23, moving them to first in the world rankings, as well as leading New South Wales to an Origin series victory earlier this year.
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As well as his on-field successes, Maguire has led successful high performance culture transformations that involve all stakeholders, especially past players, fans, and the business community.
“Michael brings a wealth of experience across more than two decades of coaching and he has tasted success at club, state and international level,” Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said.
“We are looking forward to Michael supporting our football program as they get to work on preparations for 2025.”
Maguire said he was excited to work at one of the bets clubs in the game.
“The Broncos are one of rugby league’s great clubs and it will be an honour to step into the role of Head Coach,” Maguire said.
“The Broncos organisation has a high expectation on everything it does. It’s built a great history and shown the strength of what a club can be and what it can mean to fans.
“Playing my part in the great vision of what the Broncos stand for is the exciting part for me. I can’t wait to get started in Brisbane.”
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It came after the NSWRL officially announced Maguire’s release from the final year of his contract.
“The New South Wales Rugby League Board has agreed to a request from Michael Maguire to be immediately released from his contract,” the NSWRL said in a statement.
“The organisation wishes to acknowledge a successful tenure on the part of Michael Maguire culminating in the 2024 State of Origin series win. We wish Michael and his family the very best for the future.
“NSWRL will commence a recruitment process to appoint a new coach in due course. The organisation will be making no further comment at this time.”
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