17 Aug 2018

Maguire denies Broncos coaching role rumours

2:02 pm on 17 August 2018

Kiwis rugby league coach Michael Maguire has denied rumours he's been lined up to replace Wayne Bennett at Brisbane.

NZ Kiwis coach Michael Maguire

NZ Kiwis coach Michael Maguire Photo: © SWpix.com / Photosport Ltd 2018

Maguire was mentioned as Bennett's likely successor in a media report on Friday following rumours the veteran coach won't be at Red Hill next year.

Maguire told radio station Macquarie Radio that's not the case.

"We've had no contact so I'm not sure where that's come from," Maguire told Macquarie Radio on Friday.

But he does have ambitions to coach in the NRL again.

"I'm pretty keen to get back in and obviously the selection of the club is a very important part," he said.

Broncos chief executive Paul White has refused to detail the club's long-term plan except to say the master coach Wayne Bennett wouldn't be sacked ahead of next season.

The 69-year-old Bennett, who has been at the helm for all six of Brisbane's premierships, has indicated he won't walk away before his contracted expires.

It means all signs lead to Bennett remaining at Red Hill next season but what happens beyond that remains a mystery, with White refusing to confirm reports Bennett had been offered a non-coaching role at the club from 2020.

Maguire guided the South Sydney Rabbitoh's to a Premiership title in 2014 and after being relesed by the club accepted the role as New Zealand's national coach.

He has only coached the Kiwis in one test, which was against England in Denver. New Zealand lost 36-18.