As speculation grows as to whether Kiwis coach Michael Maguire is soon to helm New South Wales' next State of Origin bid — one thing is certain.
"I'm focused on the Kiwis," Maguire told 1News.
Maguire continuously echoed his commitment to the Kiwis every time he was questioned about potential links to the NSW job today.
However, he did provide some clarity — saying he is committed to coaching the Kiwis through the next Rugby League World Cup in 2026.
"I'm 100% committed with the boys, we have done a lot of work to get to this point and I don’t plan on anything getting in the way of what we are focused on," Maguire said.
New Zealand Rugby League last week said any decision on Maguire's Kiwis future would come after the Pacific Championship.
The Kiwis assembled in Auckland ahead of their Pacific Championship opener against Samoa on Saturday at Eden Park. It's their first game since their World Cup semi-final exit last year against Australia, with 37 players named in the extended Kiwis squad.
A handful of those players are part of the Kiwis 'A' side who will play Tonga 'A' as part of a triple header this weekend.
The development squad is Maguire's idea — conceding a better pathway is what is needed for the national team and ultimately helping New Zealand win the World Cup again.
"I'm fairly passionate about the development and what happens at the lower levels, we haven't been able to have the junior Kiwis for some time — I want to be able to develop the pathways for the Kiwis — I want young players to aspire to wear the jersey and then come through the ranks," Maguire said.
The thinking perhaps to also keep young players in the Kiwis system — given players with eligibility for multiple nations can defect.
"I think the jumping backwards and forwards is a tricky one and I understand the reasons why, but with the other nations starting to rise into the levels of what we want at this level then I think it would be nice to even it out," Maguire said.
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