A one-trick pony or true ‘Madge’ magic? The high-stakes ride to resurrect the Broncos
For two long months before Brisbane beat Penrith on Thursday night, Michael Maguire was managing a side whose team was not singing.
This was a departure from the norm for the coach universally known as “Madge”. After overseeing South Sydney’s premiership victory in 2014, New Zealand’s Pacific Championship title over Australia in 2023, NSW State of Origin success in 2024 and a drought-ending NRL crown with the Broncos last year, a stunning run has hit a major roadblock this season.
Despite the winless winter – a period of injuries that resulted in half the salary cap being watched from the sidelines – Maguire did not waver, ignored the noise outside and never doubted himself or his team.
“My time in the game has shown me all the ups and downs and everything that comes with it,” said Maguire, 52.
“We knew what we had to do as a group. I was able to rely on the experiences I had and that definitely helped in a time like this.”
All went well for Brisbane’s title bid last season, but their title defense has been rife with obstacles. Whether it’s Payne Haas’ impending transfer to South Sydney, assistant coach Ben Te’o’s pre-season departure, miserable injuries to senior players or the endless stream of unsubstantiated rumors about discontent at Red Hill, Maguire’s second year at the luxury club has been more challenging than his first.
“Last year we only had one player making his debut in Ben Talty, this year we have more than 10,” Maguire said.
“We used more than 34 players [this year].”
Even as losses piled up, Maguire remained patient. Haas declared the team could produce something special again, with the likes of Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan all on deck in the stunning 14-12 win over Penrith. This is a line and belief that he has adopted, even though he has to win all the remaining matches to make it to the finals.
‘I’ll keep putting in more than I have.’
Michael Maguire not happy with leading Broncos to 2025 title
“I’d like to think I’m pretty close to the players,” Maguire said of where he gets his belief from. “It’s a feeling as a coach about where you think the players are at.
“I like talking to my players about football, I like talking to my players about life… It’s not about the technical part of coaching.
“When you see constant hunger coming from your players and staff, it’s hard for people to question you about your hunger.
“I can’t describe it. I’m not smart enough to describe it, but that’s why I talk like this.”
Maguire is not using injuries as an excuse. By his own admission, his team has fallen short at times, and an eight-game losing streak has emboldened his detractors.
“I understand that everything starts and ends with me,” he said. “Despite everything I’ve been through in the game, I know where we are.
“I’ve been leading the players, the squad and everyone involved over the past term. With the opportunity this group has now, I’ll lead the next term as well.”
If they fail to reach the finals, Maguire’s time with Haas could be over in a matter of weeks. The NSW prop’s departure sparked rumors about their relationship, but both men insist relations remain strong.
“Payne is a special man and I had a special time with him,” Maguire said.
“Everyone changes what they do at some stage. One of the things I see around Payne is his focus and desire. The club has given him a great opportunity in every aspect of his life and he is very grateful for that.”
“I’m the lucky one who knows the whole truth about what’s going on behind the scenes with your players. When you have them, especially special players like Payne Haas, you really enjoy those times.”
To make the postseason, the Broncos will likely need to win all seven remaining games in a series consisting of the Cowboys, Knights, Dolphins, Warriors, Raiders, Storm and Bulldogs. Can they do this?
“I really believe in this group that when they start going after things they can achieve it. I’ve experienced that with them, so that’s why I say what I say,” Maguire said.
“It’s every game, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do the things you discuss there. Because this group has experienced it.”
Like last year, much will depend on Walsh’s form. The enigmatic full-back was at his best against the Panthers, assisting three tries and converting a sideline in a man-of-the-match performance.
Walsh has been unable to repeat his 2025 heroics on a consistent basis but Maguire believes the return of key personnel will improve his game.
“He’s a competitor, he’s everything I thought he would be when I first arrived,” Maguire said.
“He loves football. All he does is work really hard at his game. There’s a reason he can do the things he does, he puts it on the park and trains. People just see the moments but we see all the hard work that goes into creating them.”
When the Broncos ended their 19-year premiership drought, many felt they had achieved their goal under Maguire. But the coach believes this is just the beginning of the club’s journey.
“I’m going to keep putting in more than I have,” he said. “It’s because of the players and the staff. That’s what I do.
“The special times outweigh anything you’re going through right now. It’s been quite a unique place to be at a club like this that hasn’t had success for so long. The town has been amazing and everyone wants more of it. If that’s what you’re after, there’s no reason why you can’t achieve it. But it takes a lot of hard work. That’s the truth.”
