NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has reportedly ruled himself out of contention for the vacant Eels head coaching job.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph, who are reporting Maguire has informed Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos that he’s focused on coaching the Blues.
Maguire signed a contract to lead NSW for the 2024 and 2025 seasons following Brad Fittler standing down from the role after the 2023 series loss.
The 50-year-old was one of several names on Parramatta’s shortlist to take over next season, but now Maguire’s name has been crossed off it.
“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 said.
“We respect his position but our process will continue and therefore he will not be part of it moving forward.”
Eels powerbrokers are reportedly keen to lock down their new coach in the coming weeks and weren’t willing to wait until the end of the Origin series for Maguire’s decision.
Josh Hannay, Michael Cheika, Brian McDermott and Jason Ryles are the remaining options, with interviews reportedly set to begin this week.
Meanwhile, current interim coach Trent Barrett is also reportedly in the mix and has previously been head coach at the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs.
“I’d love an opportunity to coach them long-term, but that’s a little bit out of my control, I suppose,” Barrett said on 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 to 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.”
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