LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The fallout from Michael Maguire's coaching departure from the Kiwis has deepened with a staggering claim from New Zealand Rugby League boss Greg Peters.
Peters insists that the decision to part ways with Maguire was unanimously agreed upon by the game's key stakeholders, including past players and the current squad.
The conflict arose when Maguire expressed interest in adding the NSW State of Origin job to his role with the Kiwis, following their impressive 30-0 win over Australia in the Pacific Championship final.
The Kiwis believe that having a national coach also in charge of an Origin side would be a conflict of interest, potentially leading players away from the black jersey.
Maguire, still searching for answers, expressed his disappointment, stating, "The two roles are very difficult to reconcile." Peters reiterated that the decision was not just the view of the board, but also strongly held by the current player group and former players, who deemed the two roles incompatible.