Brad Fittler believes Michael Maguire will “enjoy” his first series in charge of NSW, despite a horror injury toll growing ahead of the opener on June 5.
The former coach, who took the Blues to three victories in six years at the helm, turned down an offer to be part of this year’s State of Origin after only being offered a one-year contract extension, which allowed Maguire to step into the vacant position.
After two-straight series losses, NSW face an uphill battle against the Maroons in 2024, with three of the side’s best players – Cameron Murray, Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic – all unavailable due to injury.
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Despite the pressure and selection headaches, Fittler told 9News the job will be “right up his alley” and revealed his recent conversations with Maguire.
We were just talking about playing at the stadium and talking about where they are warming up and some of the details about pre-game stuff,” Fittler said.
“The one thing you do know is that he is gonna enjoy this – it’s right up his alley.”
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As for who will fill the void left by Cleary, the ex-coach and Blues icon admitted he wouldn’t be selecting Mitchell Moses and Nicho Hynes as a new-look combination.
It was a radical pick thrown up by Paul Gallen in his column for Wide World of Sports on Monday.
“I wouldn’t pick them as a pairing, they both play on the same side,” Fittler said.
“All the good five-eighths at the moment play left side – Luke Keary even though he is a right-footer, Cody Walker, Jarome Luai, Jack Wighton if you’re gonna go that way.
“I don’t know if I would go with those two halves.”
Maguire will name his first Origin squad after round 12.
