Paul McGregor will switch to State of Origin after being appointed as an assistant coach with the NSW Blues.
The 53-year-old has been without a coaching role since being dismissed as Dragons coach in 2020, after six years at the helm of the Red V.
With former Blues assistant Craig Fitzgibbon being appointed head coach at the Sharks, McGregor will come in as a straight replacement.
McGregor also played 14 matches for the Blues between 1992 and 1998, and was named man-of-the-match in game II of the 1997 State of Origin series.
"It’s a huge honour, after representing the Blues right through the 90s as a player and now to be on the coaching staff … I have a lot of gratitude and appreciation around that," McGregor said,
"I have a lot of passion for the game and perseverance as well. I believe I have gained 'Freddy’s' trust and earned his loyalty over time. In his first year coaching the Blues (2018) he took a lot of my (Dragons) players into the series and they won.
"It’s important to me to influence his vision on the team and I will do that with purpose."
Current NSW head coach Brad Fittler was delighted to add such an experienced operator to his staff, while paying homage to the impact Fitzgibbon had on the team.
"Obviously it is disappointing to lose Craig Fitzgibbon, who made such a valuable contribution to our group over the past three years, but to replace him with someone of the calibre and experience of Paul McGregor is outstanding," Fittler said.
"I have been fortunate to have played with 'Mary' and roomed with him during the early 90s playing State of Origin and he will fit perfectly within the culture of our group, as well as adding immense value in what he can bring as an astute coach.
"He is really passionate about the game and NSW."
NSW have won three of the past four Origin series against Queensland after losing 11 out of 12 series between 2006 and 2017.