Rugby League: Graham Lowe praises decision to appoint Michael Maguire as new Kiwis coach

  • 11/05/2018

Graham Lowe is praising New Zealand Rugby League's decision to appoint Michael Maguire as the new Kiwis coach.

The former Wigan Warriors and South Sydney Rabbitohs boss was confirmed in the role on Thursday and is contracted through to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

The 44-year-old takes over from David Kidwell, who struggled in the role, winning only three of his 10 games in charge. He also guided New Zealand to its worst ever finish at a World Cup after getting knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Maguire has had plenty of success during his coaching career that started with the Melbourne Storm in 2009 as an assistant coach.

The following year, he joined Wigan for two seasons, winning the 2010 Super League and 2011 Challenge Cup.

He then took charge of the Bunnies in 2012, leading them to the 2014 NRL Premiership.

Michael Maguire.
Michael Maguire. Photo credit: Photosport

On top of that, he has worked with a number of Kiwi internationals over the years including Thomas Leuluai, Issac Luke, Roy Asotasi and Bryson Goodwin.

Speaking to the AM Show, Lowe, 71, believes Maguire's previous success will help him guide the Kiwis back to glory.

"He is a good coach and a successful coach," Lowe told the AM Show

"The thing I like about him is the fact he doesn't stand any nonsense, and some of our guys need the truth.

"I think he can be successful because he will bring something that's missing as they lost their way a little.

"He has to focus on New Zealand Rugby League, the history of New Zealand Rugby League and a winning team. I think we lost our way trying to find the sort of culture we're looking for." 

His first game in charge of the Kiwis will be the test against England in Denver on June 23.

Before then, he has plenty of things to discuss and sort out.

Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor.
Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor. Photo credit: Photosport

Maguire confirmed he wanted both Kevin Proctor and Jesse Bromwich to be a part of the upcoming Denver test. The star forwards were stood down from the World Cup for allegedly using cocaine after last year's mid-season loss to Australia in Canberra.

He also said the 'door is always open' to Jason Taumalolo, who pledged his allegiance to Tonga last year.

However, his ultimate goal is to bring success back to the Kiwis.

"The plan over the next four years is to build a strong talent base in and around New Zealand and add to what is already going on with the Warriors," he explained to the AM Show.

"It is something I've always wanted to do is to be an international coach, but I have to say I never thought it would be for New Zealand but I'm honoured to be here and what is ahead.

"Once the opportunity came about, especially with the talent I know and I've been able to coach a number of great players from over here, straight away I thought I'd love to do that."

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