Michael Maguire has declared coaching New Zealand in a World Cup is “right up there” with his best experiences.
Maguire has won an NRL premiership with the Rabbitohs and a Super League grand final with Wigan — and that’s the level he puts this World Cup campaign with the Kiwis.
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When asked on Fox League’s World Cup preview show where he rates his experience, Maguire said: “Right up there.”
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“It’s been a pleasure to coach this group of players,” he added.
“They’ve been building and changing the way they want to be seen and the culture of the Kiwis jersey. Now is a great opportunity for the boys to really show themselves.”
New Zealand take on Australia on Saturday morning (AEDT) in a blockbuster semi-final.
A win would book them a spot in the World Cup final at Old Trafford Stadium against either the home nation or Samoa.
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“I think it will definitely be up there with everything I’ve been fortunate to be a part of,” Maguire said of a World Cup win.
“Obviously we need to make sure we nail this one first and get the job done against Australia to give ourselves the opportunity.
“But I really believe in this group and they’re very capable of achieving some great things.”
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When Maguire’s World Cup commitments wrap up he’ll head to Canberra to begin a senior NRL consultant role with the Raiders.
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By the sounds of it head coach Ricky Stuart can’t wait to get him down to the nation’s capital — and the feeling is mutual.
“Ricky’s been on the phone a couple of times so I’ve really enjoyed having a chat with Rick,” Maguire said.
“I’m looking forward to getting down there with the crew… there’s a lot that’s going on down there and a lot of great things so that time will come.”
