Craig Bellamy has unloaded on critics of Michael Maguire, saying the notion the Broncos’ coach could be under pressure months after winning the premiership is “ridiculous”.
Maguire has found himself under the spotlight after the reigning premiers started the season with back-to-back losses at home against Penrith and Parramatta.
His critics were given additional ammo last month when it was announced hulking forward Payne Haas would depart the club at season’s end for a three-year deal with the Rabbitohs.
The Broncos now face the daunting task of jump-starting their season against Bellamy’s Storm in Melbourne, where the premiers have not tasted victory since 2016.
When asked if Maguire is under pressure following Brisbane’s shaky start to the year, Bellamy said he found the criticism “hard to believe”.
“I wouldn’t have a clue,” Bellamy said.
“I would find it hard to believe the guy that was the coach of the grand-final-winning side inside six months ago would be under pressure.
“That’s ridiculous.”
Maguire, who coached New Zealand and NSW to international and State of Origin series wins before taking the helm at Red Hill, completed his NRL coaching apprenticeship as an assistant under Bellamy in Melbourne.
It was the student who became the master in last year’s grand final when Maguire’s Broncos bested Bellamy’s Storm 26-22.
Bellamy bluntly dismissed any hype surrounding revenge for last year’s big dance.
“It’s not a grand final, so it’s not a grand final rematch,” Bellamy said.
“We can’t do nothing about what happened last year.”
The Storm coach also addressed speculation the club would vie for Bronson Xerri’s signature should the Bulldogs speedster leave Canterbury.
“We’ll wait till he breaks ranks and then we will have a think about that,” Bellamy said.
“At the end of the day, you’re always looking to improve your squad, but like I say, until it actually happens you don’t start planning.”
Xerri would be a handy pick-up for the Storm after their failed bid in the Supreme Court to bring former Parramatta winger Zac Lomax to the club.
The Storm will farewell versatile back Nick Meaney, who joins the Bears from 2027, at season’s end.
There are also reports bullocking winger Will Warbrick is seeking an exit to join the New Zealand Warriors.
Melbourne and Brisbane will face off before a near sellout crowd at AAMI Park on Friday.
Originally published as Craig Bellamy slams ‘ridiculous’ pressure on Broncos coach Michael Maguire