A day after Brisbane\u2019s epic preliminary final win over Penrith, veteran journalist Phil Rothfield has admitted that he \u201cgot it wrong\u201d in his criticism of Broncos coach Michael Maguire.<\/p>\n
Rothfield had been critical of Maguire for much of the season since penning a column back in May reporting Broncos players were finding it hard to adjust to his heavy-handed coaching style.<\/p>\n
After an upset loss to Souths, Rothfield also called out Maguire\u2019s decision to take his players on a luxury cruise around Sydney Harbour in the days before the defeat. <\/p>\n
Watch every game of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n At the time, Rothfield also detailed his fiery phone conversation with the Broncos coach which the journalist called a \u201cblazing row\u201d.<\/p>\n Following that loss to Souths, the Broncos were the definition of average. They had won five and lost five despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the competition. <\/p>\n The Broncos would free fall further, losing their next two to drop out of the eight completely before turning their form around in the second half of the season to finish in the top four.<\/p>\n The Broncos\u2019 ordinary start to the year led the club bringing in a crisis manager mid-season to help \u201ccalm the farm\u201d as Rothfield described.<\/p>\n With the Broncos now in a grand final, NRL360 host Braith Anasta asked Rothfield what he thought of Maguire\u2019s first season at the helm.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want me to sit here on a Monday night and not have an opinion, I\u2019m happy to stay quiet. At the beginning of the year, I was told that Broncos players were struggling to come to grips with Madge\u2019s intense style. That was the case,\u201d Rothfield said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey went on a harbour cruise, then they got beat by Souths.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what, I\u2019ve been proven wrong. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve also been told, and if you speak to a couple of players they will tell you that they (Broncos) brought in a crisis manager Grant Williams just to calm the farm a bit.<\/p>\n \u201cGrant Williams, he\u2019s worked with police commissioners and very heavy hitters.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy do you bring in a crisis manager? To fix a crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey had a lot of drama going on,\u201d journalist Brent Read added.<\/p>\n Tensions high ahead of NRL Grand Final | 05:03<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n PREDICTED DALLY M TEAM OF YEAR: Broncos star snubbed in shock shake-up<\/a><\/p>\n