Craig Bellamy has unloaded on critics of Michael Maguire, saying the notion the Broncos\u2019 coach could be under pressure months after winning the premiership is \u201cridiculous\u201d. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
His critics were given additional ammo last month when it was announced hulking forward Payne Haas would depart the club at season\u2019s end for a three-year deal with the Rabbitohs. <\/p>\n
The Broncos now face the daunting task of jump-starting their season against Bellamy\u2019s Storm in Melbourne, where the premiers have not tasted victory since 2016. <\/p>\n
When asked if Maguire is under pressure following Brisbane\u2019s shaky start to the year, Bellamy said he found the criticism \u201chard to believe\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have a clue,\u201d Bellamy said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
It was the student who became the master in last year\u2019s grand final when Maguire\u2019s Broncos bested Bellamy\u2019s Storm 26-22. <\/p>\n
Bellamy bluntly dismissed any hype surrounding revenge for last year\u2019s big dance. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a grand final, so it\u2019s not a grand final rematch,\u201d Bellamy said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t do nothing about what happened last year.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Storm coach also addressed speculation the club would vie for Bronson Xerri\u2019s signature should the Bulldogs speedster leave Canterbury. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll wait till he breaks ranks and then we will have a think about that,\u201d Bellamy said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, you\u2019re always looking to improve your squad, but like I say, until it actually happens you don\u2019t start planning.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The Storm will farewell versatile back Nick Meaney, who joins the Bears from 2027, at season\u2019s end.<\/p>\n
There are also reports bullocking winger Will Warbrick is seeking an exit to join the New Zealand Warriors. <\/p>\n
Melbourne and Brisbane will face off before a near sellout crowd at AAMI Park on Friday. <\/p>\n