the Brisbane Broncos, a team steeped in NRL history and boasting a star-studded roster, find themselves navigating turbulent waters. Hired to deliver a premiership after a prolonged drought, coach Michael Maguire is facing intense scrutiny as the team struggles to find consistency. after a string of disappointing performances, questions are swirling about whether Maguire’s approach is the right fit for the Broncos, or if deeper issues within the playing group are to blame.

The On-Field Struggles

Brisbane has suffered four losses in their last five games, a concerning trend that has amplified the pressure on Maguire. The team’s inconsistent play has raised questions about their ability to adapt to Maguire’s demanding coaching style. This recent slump has ignited a debate within the NRL community about the root cause of the Broncos’ woes.

Diverging Opinions on the Broncos’ Problems

The NRL 360 panel recently dissected the Broncos’ situation, revealing a sharp divide in opinion. Paul Crawley expressed reservations about Maguire’s appointment from the outset, citing past experiences at other clubs.

I questioned Madge’s appointment to start with, given what had unfolded at the Rabbitohs and what had unfolded at the Tigers. I thought it would eventually end in tears but I wasn’t so sure there would be trouble 10 rounds into the season, that’s the biggest concern.
Paul crawley, NRL 360

Crawley emphasized the unique pressures of coaching the Broncos, describing it as probably the toughest in the game due to the club’s large membership and high expectations.

Player Unrest: A recurring Theme?

Rumblings of player discontent have emerged under Maguire, echoing similar sentiments expressed during Kevin Walters’ tenure. Walters, who lead the team to the grand final just a year prior, was ruthlessly sacked last October, highlighting the club’s impatience for success. This raises the question of whether the issue lies with the coaching staff or with the players themselves.

The Intensity Factor

Andrew Webster acknowledged the reports of player unhappiness but suggested it was only natural, given Maguire’s reputation for intensity. He noted that Maguire’s previous claims of mellowing his approach may not have fully materialized.

When Michael Maguire got the job, remember he said the NSW job and Kiwi job had mellowed him and that he’d changed as a coach… well, not necessarily.
Andrew Webster

Webster urged a measured approach, suggesting judgment should be reserved until the end of the season, despite the team sitting seventh on the ladder after 10 rounds.

A legend’s Viewpoint

Broncos legend Gordon Tallis offered a blunt assessment, questioning the players’ complaints under two vastly different coaches. He highlighted the contrast between Walters’ softer and more of an attacking coach and Maguire’s more demanding style.

The players didn’t like Kevvie and he was maybe a softer and more of an attacking coach and now there’s Madge who’s at the other end (of the scale) so who do they like? Players whinged last year and they’re whinging this year, well what do they want?
Gordon Tallis, Broncos Legend

Polar Opposites?

Braith Anasta echoed Tallis’ sentiment, observing that the players were always going to be a little bit shell-shocked by Maguire’s arrival, given the contrast with Walters. He questioned whether the players had fully bought into Maguire’s methods.

They were complaining about Kevvie last year and now they’re complaining about Madge… they were also going to complain about Madge as he was going in there to do a job, train them hard and the way he approaches players, you can see the difference in the two personalities, they were always going to be a little bit shell-shocked. But Madge would have hoped by now they would have got used to it, bought in and understood why he’s doing what he’s doing but it doesn’t seem to be the case.
Braith Anasta

Adapt or Perish?

Crawley argued that Maguire needs to read the room and adapt his approach, drawing parallels to his experiences at South Sydney and the Wests Tigers. He emphasized that it is the coach’s responsibility to get the best out of the players.

he has to read the room. He had this problem at South Sydney, when he won the comp in 2014 I remember Richo saying he’s got a job for life and they sacked him in three years. Then he went to the Tigers and the same dramas unfolded. He has to read the room,if it is a problem,he has to realise it’s a problem and he has to make some changes because ultimately you can put it back on the players but it’s the coaches responsibility to get the best out of the players.
Paul Crawley, NRL 360

Staying True to Identity

Tallis countered that the Broncos hired Maguire for a specific reason,implying that he should not be expected to fundamentally alter his coaching style.

But they signed him to be Michael Maguire, you can’t be two different things.
Gordon Tallis, Broncos Legend