When it comes to hard work and uncompromising standards in footy, there are few better examples than Brisbane Broncos legend Brad Thorn. The dual code international’s relentless work ethic and unwavering focus on fitness are values shared by Michael Maguire, which have seen the Brisbane coach criticised previously for working his players too hard.
Maguire’s infamous pre-season boot camp in 2025 and reports of players needing spew buckets shone a spotlight on the veteran coach’s intense methods. But Thorn rejects the criticism of Maguire and says that sort of thing was commonplace during his extraordinary footy career, which included four premierships with the Broncos, a Rugby World Cup title with the All Blacks, and a host of other trophies.
Broncos legend Brad Thorn (R) has shone a light on the intense training sessions he had in Brisbane after rejecting criticism of coach Michael Maguire’s (far L) methods. Pic: Getty
“They talked about pre-season and you’d hear about guys throwing up… that was stock standard in any team when I was playing,” Thorn told Yahoo Sport Australia after revealing that he phoned Maguire last season to offer his support to the Brisbane coach. “When I went to the Broncos you’d have guys throwing up before training started, no one cared.”
Thorn’s upcoming book ‘Champions Do Extra’ provides an inspiring insight into his relentless pursuit of excellence. And it contains quotes from a who’s who of former Broncos legends and rugby greats who all hail Thorn as one of the hardest trainers and most inspirational leaders they’ve ever seen.
Brad Thorn (L) and All Blacks legend Richie McCaw (R) hold the Rugby World Cup trophy aloft after New Zealand’s triumph in 2011. Pic: Getty
(Hagen Hopkins via Getty Images)
That drive was the foundation behind a staggering 477-game playing career for the former Queensland Origin and Kangaroos star, which spanned three decades from the 1990s and included a Rugby World Cup triumph with the All Blacks in 2011. And Thorn says that same work ethic and discipline stood out as Maguire’s Broncos snapped the club’s 19-year premiership drought last season.
“You saw the sort of toughness they brought. They came from behind against the Raiders in Canberra (in week one of the finals) and it’s one of the hardest places to go and win – in league and union,” he said. “The grand final performance by Reece Walsh was probably one of the best games I’ve seen from a player. But you saw their resolve in defence, they just had a steel about them and Michael (Maguire) helped bring that.”
Brad Thorn hails Brisbane’s resolve in NRL grand final win
Thorn says Maguire’s predecessor Kevin Walters also deserves credit for the work he did as Broncos coach, before being sacked one season after guiding them to the 2023 grand final. But Thorn says a transformation in the team’s resolve was evident in last year’s decider after they overcame the second half losses of veteran halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt to topple the Storm.
“You just saw a different team from the one that lost to Penrith in the grand final two years before,” Thorn added. “A whole group of guys putting in together defensively, not being fazed by losing senior guys and just stepping up. It was pretty special, I was just pleased for them.”
Brisbane Broncos players celebrate after their 2025 grand final win over the Melbourne Storm after snapping the club’s 19-year premiership drought. Pic: Getty
(IZHAR KHAN via Getty Images)
Thorn believes the Broncos have the coach and talent to repeat their premiership success in 2026, but says it will again come down to their willingness to do the hard yards and put in for one another. “Hard work, discipline, staying humble, caring about what you’re part of and what you’re trying to achieve… All those things remain, it doesn’t matter what era you’re in… they’re the DNA of a group of people achieving success together,” he said.
Brad Thorn’s book Champions Do Extra was published by HarperCollins and is set to be released on January 28.