Michael Maguire left his post as New South Wales coach just one year into his term to make a return to the NRL via Brisbane.
The former Blues mentor is now tasked with turning the Broncos into a premiership force after the club parted ways with favourite son Kevin Walters after a tumultuous campaign at Red Hill.
"I’m not going to put a timeline (on a premiership) but I’m in a rush," Maguire declared in his first press conference after signing a three-year deal.
"Winning a grand final would be extremely special but I know there’s a lot of work to be done."
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Broncos backed to be a premiership threat under Michael Maguire
While all eyes will be on Maguire’s early days at the Broncos, NSW has been left in the lurch after agreeing to grant the coach an early release from his contract.
The Blues appeared to be in trouble earlier in the year after they sank to an opening game defeat to Queensland on home soil, with Joseph Suaalii sent off for a high shot on Reece Walsh.
Despite the knives being out for him after that loss, Maguire maintained his composure and was able to turn around his side’s fortunes, which eventually culminated in a series-clinching win in the Maroons’ backyard.
"He’s a massive loss," Blues backrower Liam Martin said of Maguire’s exit.
"The culture that he’s built and the passion he has for the jersey is incredible.
"I’m very disappointed, but I’m sure whoever fills his role will build on that legacy that he’s left."
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However, while Martin was left disappointed by Maguire’s decision to step away, he held no ill will ahead of the coach's move up north.
"You can see that he deserves to be an NRL coach," Martin stated. "So, I hope he does well next year."
Penrith and Blues teammate Jarome Luai agreed with Martin’s sentiments around Maguire’s exit, while declaring that the Broncos would be a premiership threat under the 50-year-old.
"It’s pretty sad," Luai said.
"I respect his decision, he’s got a family as well, and I think he’s got ambitions to do great things with the club.
"His decision to go to a great team…the Broncos will definitely be contenders, especially with him."
