New South Wales greats are calling for a fresh approach to Blues selection under new coach Michael Maguire, who they’ve declared as the perfect tonic to Billy Slater’s Maroons.
Maguire has replaced Brad Fittler who walked away last month after six years amid intense scrutiny following back-to-back series losses.
Former Blues enforcer Mark Carroll has called on players to “put pride back in the badge”, while Benny Elias declared it’s time for a clean slate on the selection front.
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Fittler was heavily criticised for his left-field and one-and-done selections which this year included Tevita Pangai Jr, Stefano Utoikamanu and Nicho Hynes.
NSW are now staring down the barrel of three straight series losses for the first time since 2017, unless Maguire can right the ship.
Maguire delivered a drought-breaking premiership at South Sydney in 2014 before enduring a tumultuous stint at the Wests Tigers between 2019 and 2022.
The 49-year-old has been coaching New Zealand since 2018 and went within one try of upsetting Australia in the World Cup semi-final last November. He’s also currently an assistant coach under Ricky Stuart at the Raiders.
“Madge is a players coach, he reminds me of Wayne Bennett. Players want to run through brick walls for him,” Carroll told foxsports.com.au.
“That was proven at South Sydney and he’s been fantastic at the Kiwis, they’ve been a force in world rugby league.
“He’s always been a good coach, have a look at what’s happened at the Tigers since he left, it’s an absolute shitfight. It’s like the rugby union, it’s not the coach, it’s the people at the top and the fish always rots from the top.
“I’m hoping his latest appointment rejuvenates the NSW players so when they do get selected that I see every player come in with passion and the want to play for that badge and put pride in it.
“Like, who is going to be the next Tommy Raudonikis? We need to pick players with passion for the jersey, it’s as simple as that.”
Elias, who made 19 appearances for NSW, echoed the sentiment and said Maguire must leave reputations at the door next year.
“You need to pick the best 17 players available, irrespective of the past, it’s a clean slate and Madge must pick the 17 best players,” Elias told foxsports.com.au.
“You can’t pick and stick (from this year’s teams) because we’ve lost the last two series.
“You’ve got to put your own brand on it and I’m sure Madge will have the experience and the right people around him to make those 17 in-form players come together.
“He’s a better coach not just for that but working with other personalities as an assistant coach down in Canberra but also taking the helm of an international side in New Zealand and learning from pitfalls along the way.
“Anyone in their right mind learns from experience and if you don’t you’re a fool – and he’s no fool.
“I think he’s perfect for Origin coaching, he’s made for this type of competition. I reckon the moment he got appointed he started preparing for game one.
“He’s very detailed and very passionate and they’re the qualities you need for a coach at that level.”
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Carroll agreed that Maguire’s approach to coaching suits Origin, but added the Blues must change their approach to conquer Queensland.
“All players know the game, they all do the same moves, it’s all about getting on the same page really quick and that’s what Queensland does better for some reason,” he said.
“We’ve got to change our routine, I’m hearing Johnny Cartwright might be involved, great, I think Geoff Toovey should be involved, I’m putting my hand up to help out.
“My goal is to be the forwards mentor for the Blues. Everyone knows their job, I’m not going to tell Payne Haas how to run, but I want them to get in the mindset of when someone whacks Payne Haas then I want someone to whack that bloke.
“I hate losing, I’ve been retired for 24 years and I still wish I could play for NSW.”
Carroll works with several NRL forwards, individually, and revealed he helped a Queenslander earn his first Origin jersey this year.
“I’ve dealt with Madge this year through looking after Corey Horsburgh at the Raiders,” Carroll said.
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“When I first met Corey he was playing NSW Cup. I know Sticky from when I played for Australia with him and I asked if I could talk to Corey.
“I work with guys individually, nobody works with forwards the way I do, I look after five players at Manly and they’ve all had great seasons.
“Anyway, Corey said to me ‘I’m coming back from injury I’m playing bloody reserve grade’ and I said ‘so what, you should be’.
“Every week I’d set him goals and objectives of what to do… guess what he played Origin this year and I was that proud of him.
“I was brought up with ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get’. Madge knows what I can do for players individually.”