NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has taken himself out of the running for the vacant head coaching position at the Eels, according to The Daily Telegraph. Maguire has informed Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos that he is concentrating on coaching the Blues.
Maguire recently signed a contract to lead the NSW Blues for the 2024 and 2025 seasons after Brad Fittler stepped down following the 2023 series loss.
Parramatta had included Maguire on their shortlist for the head coaching role next season. However, Maguire’s focus on the Blues means he will no longer be considered.
“We reached out to Madge (Maguire) post-Origin I regarding his interest in the head coaching job at the Eels, and he shared that his sole focus is on the NSW Origin team,” Sarantinos stated. “We respect his position but our process will continue, and therefore he will not be part of it moving forward.”
The Eels are eager to secure their new coach in the coming weeks and were not willing to wait for Maguire’s decision until after the Origin series. The remaining candidates include Josh Hannay, Michael Cheika, Brian McDermott, and Jason Ryles, with interviews set to commence this week.
Meanwhile, interim coach Trent Barrett, who has previously led the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs, is also in the running. “I’d love an opportunity to coach them long-term, but that’s a little bit out of my control, I suppose,” Barrett told 2GB. “Parramatta is a really good club, it’s a very stable club, and we’ve got a good side. I’ve found this experience completely different from the last two I’ve had. I’m in a good position where I’m there, in the shop window every day with the powers that be.”
