Maguire outlines first priorities for Broncos’ pre-season

Incoming Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has told SEN that his first order of business at his new club is to begin building strong relationships with the players and staff in order to maximise the most from his roster.

Maguire arrives at Red Hill after a tumultuous 2024 campaign which saw the Broncos miss the finals and part ways with former coach and club legend Kevin Walters in controversial circumstances.

The former South Sydney, New Zealand and most recently NSW Blues coach said he will also demand a higher standard of work ethic from the players when he arrives at the club.

“You are playing for Brisbane and you are playing for everyone there,” Maguire told SENQ.

“The Broncos are currently one of the highest watched teams and they have the most supporters and members.

“When the team is up and going, it’s great fun. So my priority is to get to know the players and staff.

“I walked into the building two weeks ago and the moment you walk in, you feel (the history).

“It brings excitement and I’ll enjoy learning a lot around that. I also want to find out what the real fabric of the organisation is and it’ll be good for the players to understand that.

“I’ve only ever seen success from players who want to work hard and be the best they can be. That is what I’ll be asking from the players.

“It comes with sacrifice and working out how we want to be seen as a group. The harder you work, the more things come into your life.”

Maguire’s appointment has not been a smooth transition with a vocal contingency of Broncos Old Boys, led by Gordon Tallis, expressing their displeasure of the decision to move on from Walters.

Whilst not his primary focus, Maguire said he wants the Old Boys to be on the same page with the club.

“It’s the norm for me because I’ve got a lot of time over where you’ve come from,” Maguire

“I’ve spoken to quite a few of the Old Boys already and they are excited and understand that rugby league can go up and down.

“They want to get behind their team because whenever their team is doing well, they are feeling great.”