NZ Kiwis coach Michael Maguire faces a clash of loyalties, after being offered the New South Wales State of Origin job.
Maguire, 49, has guided the New Zealand side since 2018, including their semi-final finish at last year's World Cup, and is contracted through to the next tournament.
He has reportedly been offered the Origin role, replacing NRL legend Brad Fittler, who stepped down after defeats in the last two three-match series, and is expectedly to accept the one-year deal.
Newshub understands Maguire, who is also Canberra Raiders assistant coach, could hold down both jobs, pending NZ Rugby League board approval. He will continue in the Kiwis role through the Pacific Championship, beginning with next week's test against World Cup runners-up Toa Samoa.
Maguire began his coaching career as assistant with the Raiders, before guiding Wigan Warriors to the 2010 English Super League crown.
Four years later, he repeated that achievement with South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL Grand Final, but spent four largely unsuccessful seasons with Wests Tigers, sacked midway through their 2022 campaign.
At international level, he has a 10-win/five-loss record with the Kiwis, including victories over Australia, Tonga, Great Britain and England. They beat Fiji in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, before falling 16-14 to eventual champions Australia in the semis.
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