Michael Maguire has been confirmed as the new NSW Blues coach, with a raft of experienced NRL coaches named to his backroom staff.

Matt King, one of Trent Robinson’s right-hand men at the Roosters, and John Cartwright, himself a former NRL head coach with the Titans and currently an assistant to Kevin Walters at the Broncos, will be in the box alongside Madge, as will Brett White, currently an assistant on the Gold Coast.

“The Blues jersey is everything and we will ensure that we foster an environment that allows everyone to perform at their very best. Leadership and culture will be critical to do this,” said Maguire.

“Just as important will be bringing everyone along the journey with us, and by that I literally mean everyone, from the front office to the volunteer in Bourke and the thousands of junior footy players who idolise the Blues and are passionate about Origin.

“Everyone has a part to play and I want everyone across the state to feel a part of the Blues Origin campaign.”

Frank Ponissi of the Melbourne Storm is set to be team manager and Andrew Gray and Sean Edwards the high performance staff.

“Michael is a multiple premiership-winning coach in two hemispheres and has been successful in the international arena as head coach of the New Zealand team,” said NSWRL CEO David Trodden.

“Together with Michael’s recent experience at the Raiders, they all bring strong current NRL experience to the Blues as assistant coaches – with John working alongside Kevin Walters at the Broncos, Matt with Trent Robinson at the Roosters, and Brett with Des Hasler at the Titans.

“Along with Frank Ponissi’s involvement with the Storm, we now have a High Performance team that is not only impeccably credentialled but also has the breadth and depth of current experience across four NRL clubs.”