After losing consecutive State of Origin series to Queensland, Brad Fittler has shockingly resigned from his position as NSW Blues head coach.
Michael Maguie and Laurie Daley headline a potential list of candidates to take over from Fittler, who won three series during his six-year tenure in the role.
So, who could replace him for 2024 as the Blues look to bring the shield back to their side of the border?
The Sporting News has all the latest on the NSW coaching search below.
Michael Maguire
Maguire hasn't coached in the NRL since he was axed by the Wests Tigers in 2022 but certainly has the credentials to lead the Blues in the next Origin series.
He took New Zealand to the semi-final of last year's Rugby League World Cup - a head coach role he has maintained since 2018 - and will continue with the Kiwis for the end-of-year Pacific Championships.
According to a report from The Daily Telegraph, Maguire has verbally agreed to take over as Blues coach next year and will sign a one-year deal, with the likes of John Cartwright reportedly expected to join the staff.
Senior reporter Danny Weidler has also confirmed the news, with Maguire expected to sign on the dotted line in the coming days as NSW's new mentor.
LATEST: Michael Maguire has been sent a contract to coach the Blues. NSWRL say they are waiting to receive signed deal but expected to happen. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) October 11, 2023
The 49-year-old is a proven winner at the club and representative level, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in charge of the Rabbitohs, Tigers, Wigan Warriors and the New Zealand international side.
Laurie Daley
A former NSW coach who broke Queensland's eight-year dominance over the series, Daley has been touted as a potential option for next year, given his experience in the role and lack of ties to any NRL club.
The 53-year-old was quizzed on the potential of having a second tenure in charge of the Blues on a recent edition of Big Sports Breakfast, and admitted there would be interest on his end.
“I’ve said all along I’m always happy to help where I can and I was prepared to help Freddy and it surprised me when Freddy withdrew because I would have loved to have been a part of him helping NSW,” Daley said.
“I’ve said all along if people thought I could help out I would help out in any role. Coach could be an option, being a mentor, being in a leadership role, whatever it may be. I’m always happy to help where I can.”
John Cartwright
A former NRL coach with the Titans and current assistant at the Broncos, it's been a long time since Cartwright has been in the spotlight.
The 58-year-old is an experienced operator and has represented both NSW and Australia as a player in the past, as well a coaching the City Origin side on three occasions.
In an interview with SEN Radio, Cartwright admitted he would be interested in the job and has already made contact with NSWRL boss Dave Trodden.
"I'd love to do it," he said.
"“I just had a quick talk to Dave Trodden and I think now they just go through their process with the CEO and the board. It’s probably just a phone call, I don’t think there’s going to be an interview process.
“I think they’ll get all the candidates together - they know what everyone’s done and they’ll make a choice from there.”
Paul McGregor
A recent NSW Blues assistant coach and former St. George Illawarra Dragons coach has had his name thrown around as a potential replacement.
There are certainly pros and cons to promoting an assistant coach to the top gig.
On one hand, they have an existing understanding and experience of Origin coaching.
On the other, it could be counterintuitive to continue with a member of Fittler's team.
Danny Buderus
Another recent Blues assistant similar to McGregor, Buderus is a potential option.
He has other experience as a former assistant, interim head coach and pathways coach at the Newcastle Knights.
It's up for debate whether he would be enough of a change from Fittler, but he could offer a fresh perspective as a relatively young coach.
Michael Cheika
A slightly left-of-field candidate, Cheika has an impressive multi-code résumé and has previously expressed interest in coaching rugby league on a permanent basis, highlighted by his links to the vacant Dragons role earlier in 2023.
Widely known for his rugby union coaching, NSW-born Cheika was most recently involved in rugby league as an assistant coach and advisor at the Sydney Roosters, as well as leading Lebanon at last year's RLWC.
He is currently the coach of the Argentinian rugby union team, but a gig with the Blues could be an exciting new challenge for him after the current Rugby World Cup concludes.
Ryan Girdler
Girdler has never coached at the professional level, but the former Blues centre could be a fan-favourite selection.
Notably, current Queensland coach Billy Slater was thrust into the Origin arena as a first-time coach, so there is no ruling out someone like Girdler.
He spends most of his time these days as a broadcaster and business owner, but you never know who could make the jump.
Ricky Stuart
Contracted with the Canberra Raiders until the end of 2025, it may be challenging for Stuart to slot in as Blues coach.
If situations change though, 'Sticky' is a strong candidate, and would no doubt implement major changes to the Origin side.
A former Blues player himself, Stuart has a suitable CV and attitude for the role, but all signs point to him turning down any potential offer.
Craig Bellamy
Bellamy coached the Blues between 2008-2010 and would be a strong candidate to return.
The major hurdle is that Bellamy announced earlier this year his decision to stay on as the Melbourne Storm head coach for the 2024 season.
When the multi-premiership-winning coach eventually departs the Storm, there is every chance he accepts a role with the Blues to keep himself involved in the game.
