Michael Maguire’s longevity as Broncos coach has again been called into question amid continued rumours his intense approach has got some of his players off-side.
Maguire won the premiership in his first season with the Broncos, but there remain doubts his fiery approach can take him to a long career at Red Hill beyond his contract that expires in 2027.
Watch all three games of Rugby League in Las Vegas live and ad-break free during play is Fox League, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Speaking on 2GB’s The Continuous Call Team, Panthers legend Mark Geyer revealed he keeps hearing negative things about Broncos players and their assessment of Maguire’s intense coaching tactics.
“What I do keep hearing a lot is Madge’s name being mentioned … I’m not gonna say [in] unfriendly [ways], but not in positive ways,” Geyer said on 2GB’s The Continuous Call Team.
“That makes me think that someone like Michael Maguire has a shelf life as a coach in the NRL of around three years, because he is so intense.
Then it is time for him to take his powers and move on somewhere else that needs his help.”
However, Geyer believes Maguire will be a first grade NRL coach for the long-haul, but he may need to take his services to new clubs every couple of seasons because his intensity wears thin on the players.
“I think he will always be a first-grade coach,” Geyer said.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Coach Michael Maguire, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam KidstonSource: News Corp Australia
“Look what he did with Origin. The way he came around to every ex-Origin player and coach, sat us down for a coffee individually … I was lucky to be one of them. He had this plastic bag with him, and right at the end of our chat he tipped out this blue Origin jersey and said, ‘I want to know what your thoughts are of it’.
“Straight away, I knew he was going to win Origin because he just got it.
“You don’t have to coach people; you have to inspire them. And he inspires the Broncos.
“But I think sometimes the red line that he keeps revving at might be detrimental.”
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING PTS: Bulldog ‘on standby’ for duo who ‘don’t work’; Knights $13m dilemma
VEGAS LIVE: ‘Great leader’ or ‘YouTube highlights’; Johns puts Knights star on notice
‘NOT FOR THEM’: Why more NRL hopefuls are leaving the game to chase US dream
Teams wrap up Vegas preperations | 03:13
Geyer warned Maguire needs to weed the players that are against his methods out of the club or risk his own job.
“He has got to get rid of them players that keep saying things about him.”
Bulldogs legend Josh Morris pointed out that all coach’s methods are tested by the small margins of winning and losing football games.
“When they were going well, no one was talking about it, but as soon as they started losing that’s when the murmurs started coming out that the players were unhappy with his hard training methods,” Morris said.
Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Matty & Gordy on Titans ownership | 02:43
“But how do you think they got back into that winning position? They didn’t do it by training lightly. If you want to be a successful team you have to drive high standards.
“They will probably train harder in this season than they did in the last because now they are the hunted. They didn’t have the pressure of being the premiership winners (before).
“They were always the premiership hopefuls but never threats. Now they are that.”
2026 SEASON PREVIEWS
SEA EAGLES: Big unknown in new era… and superstar facing make-or-break year
DOLPHINS: They are the ultimate entertainers… but can’t ignore darker reality
EELS: Ruthless roster calls sent a clear message… now revolution faces its biggest test
Payten: I picked team based on trials | 01:01
Sharks premiership winner Paul Gallen warned if the Broncos start to struggle, player tensions with Maguire will inevitably comes to the surface.
“I can only imagine that there are players there who don’t get on well with him and might not like the hard training, so they have a whinge every now and then,” Gallen said.
“When things are not going right, someone is going to bring it out (to the public).”
Burton’s wild bombs almost hit the roof! | 00:19