Brisbane has confirmed the appointment of Michael Maguire as coach on a three-year contract.
The Broncos announced the news on Tuesday morning, almost 24 hours after reports first broke that Maguire had left his NSW Rugby League job to pursue the Red Hill gig.
The Blues on Tuesday confirmed Maguire had been released from the second year of his State of Origin contract, having coached the Blues to a series victory in his one and only campaign.
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Maguire takes the reins of the Broncos after they sacked Kevin Walters last week.
”Michael brings a wealth of experience across more than two decades of coaching and he has tasted success at club, state and international level,” Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy said.
Maguire won an NRL premiership with South Sydney in 2014 and has since coached the Wests Tigers, as well as the New Zealand men’s team which stunned Australia in last year’s Pacific Championships final.
“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 in a statement.
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“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.”
Maguire submitted a presentation to the NSWRL board on Friday but made no mention of his interest in the Broncos role, according to reports.
The hunt for Maguire’s replacement will not start until NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden, who is on a three-week overseas holiday, returns.
Former coaches including Laurie Daley and Brad Fittler could be in line for a recall into the position.
Other contenders include Paul McGregor, John Cartwright, Trent Barrett, Michael Ennis, Brad Arthur and Nathan Brown.