Wigan's grand final-winning coach Michael Maguire has dismissed speculation linking him with a quick return to the National Rugby League.

The former Melbourne Storm assistant has emerged as a contender for a host of vacancies set to emerge in Australia following news of Wayne Bennett's likely move from St George Illawarra.

Bennett is out of contract with the 2010 premiers at the end of the coming season, with South Sydney favourites to land his services for 2012, and his departure is set to spark a coaching merry-go-round.

Maguire's achievements at the DW Stadium, where he guided the Warriors to their first grand final triumph for 14 years in his first season in English Super League, have not gone unnoticed in Australia but he is under contract with Wigan for another two years.

"I'm very happy here and I'm signed here so I'm staying," said Maguire at Monday's launch of the new season at Old Trafford.

"It's very flattering. You're always going to get speculation in coaching circles but I'm focused on what I'm doing here at Wigan.

"I don't look too far ahead. I'm concentrating on what we're doing this weekend."

Meanwhile, Maguire is confident his team can cope with the pressure of defending their trophy as they prepare for Saturday's opening game against St Helens, the grand final runners-up.

"I've been lucky enough to be at a team in the past that has been chased for many years," he said.

"I'm looking forward to it and I know the players are. I think they're more hungry now than they ever have been."

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