Former Kiwis player Tony Kemp says it would have been a “conflict of interest” if Michael Maguire attempted to coach both New Zealand and New South Wales.
Maguire quit his job as Kiwis men’s coach last week, clearing the way for him to accept an offer from the Blues ahead of next year’s State of Origin series.
While Maguire had been heavily linked to the NSW job for several weeks, he continued to coach New Zealand through the Pacific Championships.
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While the chances of him holding the positions concurrently were slim to none, Kemp was baffled it was ever a suggestion.
“It’s about the Kiwi job being the pinnacle. It’s about someone using the NZ role as a stepping stone to coach for NSW, Queensland and Australia,” Kemp told SEN radio in New Zealand.
“NZ shouldn’t be in that position where their coach is (directing) talent into NSW, Queensland or Australian jerseys.
“It’s pretty black and white that Michael Maguire chose the NSW job because it’s the one he wanted.
“(NZRL) had every right to say they wanted someone who was fully committed (and) he picked NSW.
“He tried to coach NSW and the Kiwis and it was a clear conflict of interest (because) of the rules around eligibility (for Origin).
“You can have a Kiwi who can play for NSW or NZ (and) if you’re Blues coach, of course you want him for NSW.”
Maguire is yet to be announced as the NSW men’s coach, but it’s widely considered the deal will be confirmed any day.
He will replace Brad Fittler in the role, after the Blues parted ways with the latter following consecutive series losses.
From the Kiwis’ point of view, it seems the players are supportive of Maguire jumping ship.
“There’s no hard feelings there, we had a discussion about (him) having the opportunity to do that, but he put his full attention into us for five, six years and he’s always been passionate,” New Zealand playmaker Dylan Brown told SEN radio.
“He’s never just dipped his toe in, he’s always tried to get into the Kiwi culture.
“It just shows the respect he has for New Zealand, I think it shows in his coaching.”
The Kiwis are yet to replace Maguire as coach.