Former Wigan Warriors boss and the current NRL coach, Michael Maguire, has been tipped to replace Shaun Wane as England’s next head coach.
Following a 3-0 Ashes series defeat, in which his side only managed to score twice across 240 minutes of action, Wane’s future is a talking point on everybody’s lips at the moment.
Elected in 2020, the ex-Wigan coach has overseen a home World Cup semi-final loss to Samoa, and whilst they were victorious in series wins over Tonga and the Samoans, it all came crashing down over the past month, as they hugely underperformed against a sub-par Australian side.
Cries of “sacked in the morning” aimed at the 61-year-old could be heard as the Headingley Test reached it’s conclusion, with England’s inability to attack, combined with questionable selection choices playing a key part in fans’ disgust.
Wane is currently contracted until the end of next year’s World Cup, and whilst Warrington boss Sam Burgess has been touted to become the country’s next boss, established NRL coach Maguire has also been linked.
After winning titles in Super League, the NRL and coaching on the international stage with New Zealand, he could be the perfect candidate for the English side, and would certainly improve the current efforts.
Reports from The Daily Telegraph claim that Maguire, who will be over in England in February for the World Club Challenge, is interested in the role.
The reigning NRL Grand Final winning coach is currently planning a trip to the country to further his coaching ability, with an eye on that February fixture that will take place at the MKM Stadium.
“I can’t wait to get over there,” he said. “Coaching is all about finding another level.
“I’m going over there to explore new ways of doing things.”
Whether he will meet with the England higher-ups to discuss the role remains to be seen, but unless Wane leaves on his own accord, and given his recent comments is extremely unlikely, he would have to be sacked as coach in order for Maguire to take charge before the 2026 World Cup.
“I don’t believe, I know I am,” was Wane’s answer when asked whether he believed he was the best man to lead England into next year’s showpiece tournament.
The England squad seem to be in his corner too, with the boss saying: “The only people who I want [backing from] is the players and the staff and I know I’ve got that.”
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