Luke and Kearney endorse Maguire for New Zealand job

Issac Luke and Stephen Kearney believe Michael Maguire is the right man to take over as New Zealand coach.

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs boss Maguire is expected to be named as David Kidwell's successor on Thursday.

Luke won the Premiership title with the Bunnies under Maguire four years ago and has endorsed the Australian to lead the Kiwis as they attempt to move on from their World Cup failure last year.

"I still text him from time to time, he's been a big part my development over the past six or so years," the New Zealand Warriors hooker said.

"In 2012 he came over to the club and in 2011 when I got suspended from the Four Nations he rang me and gave it to me about that, I had never even met him.

"So as a coach, he's tough and if he gets the nod I know he'll bring a different, more ruthless attitude to the job. In his time at Souths he definitely brought the best out of myself and guys like Greg Inglis as well."

Former New Zealand coach Kearney, who worked with Maguire at Melbourne Storm, also feels the 44-year-old can be a success in the role.

The Warriors coach said: "I haven't been paying a great deal of attention to it, I have a bit on my plate here, but I think if it gets announced tomorrow that's a positive and a step closer to getting things sorted.

"I worked with Madge in Melbourne and know him pretty well. He obviously won a premiership with South Sydney and is a quality coach who knows what he's doing.

"He was great to work with in Melbourne, he went away to Wigan and was very successful then came back and built a really strong culture at South Sydney so I think he would be a real positive move for New Zealand."