Michael Maguire's decision to stay on as Kiwi coach could give the Wests Tigers a competitive advantage with the country's huge production line, according to chief executive Justin Pascoe.
Maguire arrived for his first day of work at the Tigers on Monday, fresh from a seven-week stint with New Zealand both at home and in the UK.
The former South Sydney coach had been adamant throughout his search for a new job that sticking with the Kiwis would have to form part of it.
Maguire refused to rule out the possibility of luring Kiwi players to the Tigers in the coming years, with Benji Marshall, Esan Marsters and Elijah Taylor already at the club.
And Pascoe admitted it could present the Tigers with an advantage they'd be willing to use.
"We spoke about it through the process and certainly our position was we felt that he would get not only personal development but professional development through coaching the NZ squad," Pascoe said.
"And again alluding to the fact he is going to be in a market that is a strong market around the production of players.
"So I think there is a competitive advantage there as well."
Maguire's decision to share the two roles will make him one of the busiest mentors in the NRL next year.
The Kiwis will play Tonga in a mid-year Test during the representative round, and will face the Kangaroos once at the end of the year, as well Great Britain up to twice.
But the renowned hard-working Maguire is undeterred by his 2019 schedule.
"Across the international teams now, Mal has got the Kangaroos and he's with the Titans. Wayne is with England," Maguire said.
"We've got one Test match in the middle of the year and obviously Test matches at the end.
"To be able to meet a lot of those young kids across the competition for the last seven weeks has been brilliant.
"To work with kids of that calibre and to be able to impart that knowledge back here is something I want to be part of."
Australian Associated Press
