NZ Kiwis players have given a ringing endorsement for coach Michael Maguire, as he reportedly considers another representative role across the Tasman.
The national rugby league team have assembled in Auckland to prepare for their Pacific Championship opener against Toa Samoa at Eden Park on Saturday, but their mentor is believed to have another contract offer to guide New South Wales in next year's State of Origin series.
Incumbent Brad Fittler has stepped down, after consecutive defeats by Queensland, with Maguire emerging as a favourite to take the job.
Aussies might have you believe Origin is more prestigious than the international game, so the dilemma for Maguire is whether he tries to juggle both roles or simply pick one.
Whichever one he chooses, his players hope he remains in charge of the Kiwis for the foreseeable future.
"He's the man," insisted captain James Fisher-Harris. "He's addressed it and he's here, so all the other noise doesn't even matter.
"We're all here, all as one. He's the man and we've got his back all day."
Maguire has won club premierships in England with Wigan and Australia with South Sydney, and has been at the Kiwis helm since 2018, accumulating a 10-5 record that includes wins over Australia, Tonga and England.
Despite his Aussie roots, he has genuinely embraced the Kiwis culture, a factor not lost on his charges.
"He's awesome," said hooker Danny Levi. "He's such a passionate dude.
"He absolutely loves his footy. I don't think he has a life outside footy to be honest - he absolutely loves it.
"He's so passionate for the Kiwis jersey. He wants to see New Zealand succeed and be No.1 in the world, so that's what you want from your coach."
Maguire took the Kiwis to the World Cup semi-finals last year, when they were beaten by eventual champions Australia, but was reappointed until the 2025 tournament.
Join Newshub at 6pm Saturday for live updates of the Kiwis v Samoa Pacific Championship test
