Last updated 15:11, May 8 2018
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Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has always been a supporter of international rugby league.
Former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has always been a supporter of international rugby league.
Michael Maguire looks set to be named as the new coach of the Kiwis.
The former Rabbitohs coach appears to have edged out Laurie Daley, with his extra experience in the NRL making the difference.
Maguire was sacked as Rabbitohs coach last year after a dreadful campaign, with just nine wins from 24 games. This season he had been working for the NRL as their high performance coach for referees.
Although his tenure at Russell Crowe-owned Rabbitohs ended in disappointment, he did guide them to the NRL premiership in 2014, the first time the club had achieved that feat since 1971.
Previous to his spell at the Rabbitohs he coached English giants Wigan Warriors, where he won the Premiership in 2010 and Challenge Cup a year later.
During New Zealand Rugby League's recruitment process, one of the key factors was to have a coach willing to stay with the team through to the 2021 World Cup in England.
Although Maguire recently stated that he is keen to coach in the NRL again, he has clearly demonstrated to the interview panel, led by Dean Bell, that he is committed to the Kiwis.
On the Fox Sports show NRL360 a couple of weeks ago, Maguire confirmed his interest in the Kiwis.
Former NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley appears to have lost out to his fellow Australian Michael Maguire.
"The international game has always appealed to myself to build, especially [a team] of New Zealand's calibre, would be a great experience," Maguire said.
Daley didn't hide the fact that he was interested in getting back into top coaching again by taking on the Kiwis, but his CV doesn't match Maguire's.
Other than in 2014, Daley was unsuccessful as coach of New South Wales in State of Origin, winning just five of the 16 games in which he led the Blues.
Stuff understands that the appointment panel, which consisted of Bell, Frank Endacott, Waimarama Taumaunu and Monty Betham, were impressed with how Maguire interviewed.
Former Rabbitohs coach Des Hasler was an early favourite to be the next coach of the Kiwis, replacing David Kidwell, but he ruled himself out last month, stating he would rather coach again in the NRL next.
Former Sea Eagles coach Geoff Toovey revealed last month that he had been passed over for the job.
The NZRL are expected to make an announcement later this week, with the next Kiwis test being the controversial fixture against England in Denver on June 24.