Reports of player unrest under Michael Maguire at the Broncos are only intensifying amid fears of a mass exodus with the details of an “emotional” team meeting revealed.
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The Broncos set an unwanted 73-year first when they lost to the Roosters last weekend, becoming the first defending champion since 1953 to lose seven straight games the following season.
Despite lifting the trophy last year, Brisbane have fallen off a cliff in 2026, having won just five of 15. Finals seem like an impossibility.
“They seem to have lost their desire, their will to win. You could go on with what they need to find. They’re well and truly gone (this season),” The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie said.
“You know their seven-match losing streak is the worst such streak by a defending premier since 1953. That’s an abhorrent stat.”
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Journalist Brent Read revealed on Triple M on Sunday that the club could face a mass exodus if Michael Maguire stays on as coach.
On Monday night’s episode of NRL360, Read doubled down on his radio comments, revealing the details of a Broncos meeting during the week led by an emotional Maguire.
“There was a meeting last week and Madge got quite emotional with the playing group. Look, he’s an emotional guy. That’s part of the way he coaches,” Read said.
“Apparently last week he was in the verge of tears talking to the players about how much love he has for them and how he wants them to achieve.
“They have some big decisions to make. I think it’s unlikely they go their separate ways but if they do, this shouldn’t be looked at as a failure.
“If you have to go your separate ways in the off-season, and I think there’s a chance that happens.”
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Maguire is under contract until the end of 2027 and unless the Broncos improve sharply next season, he’s unlikely to receive an extension.
While the Broncos were able to go on a magical run and win the comp last year, there were also several reports of player disharmony with Maguire’s coaching style at different stages.
When NRL360 host Braith Anasta asked Read if there are players who are waiting to see if Maguire re-signs or not before making a decision on their future, Read replied with “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that”.
“They’ve got some guys who haven’t re-signed. There’s other rumours about other players who are unhappy,” he said.
“We can talk about how they won the comp but now it’s (player unrest) has happened again this year and at some point it wears you down.”