NRL boss Michael Maguire is currently in the UK on a “personal development” tour, as he looks to find new ways to improve his coaching style ahead of 2026.
Maguire, who won a Super League title with Wigan Warriors in 2010, is back on English soil after a Grand Final victory with Brisbane Broncos.
In what will be a 12-day visit, The Daily Telegraph has revealed that him and Broncos General Manager Troy Thomson are eager to bring more success to the club, and want to be in the best position possible to go back-t0-back and win another Premiership next season.
Of course, The Broncos will visit England in February, to face Super League Champions Hull KR in the World Club Challenge. Brisbane, who last won the trophy 34 years ago, will be looking to add another trophy to their collection, and will be doing some preparation for that game whilst in the country.
Having been linked with the role of England coach, it is unclear whether Maguire will be holding talking with members of the RFL about that opportunity, with ‘Madge’ having a sole focus on Broncos duty during his stay.
Speaking to the news outlet about his trip, he said all he wants to do is learn and develop, just like his players do.
He said: “Coaching is all about finding another level. The environment of the NRL keeps changing so you have to keep learning.
“With my players learning new experiences, I want them to evolve, too, and I have to show the way as a leader.
“I’m going over there to explore new ways of doing things.”
NRL boss sends message to Hull KR ahead of World Club Challenge meeting
The February showdown between the Robins and the Broncos will see some of the best players in the world going head to head.
Following the last two events being won by English sides – St Helens in 2023 and Wigan in 2024 – Maguire knows he cannot take this competition lightly, and will be doing all he can to bring the trophy back to Australia.
In what was a message to the Rovers, he said: “We will definitely be picking a full strength team.
“Between Troy and I, we will be doing a bit of work over there getting things in place for when we return for the World Club Challenge.
“We have to look at logistics, so Troy will make sure everything is in place.
“I have been fortunate to have been in the WCC with my past teams [South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wigan]. It’s a really important part of the game.”
With some Broncos players currently having a taste of English rugby in the Ashes series, Maguire believes that any prior experience his players can get ahead of the game will be worthwhile.
“There’s a number of our guys over in England now on international duty and some of the texts I’m getting back and the experiences guys like Patty [Carrigan] and Reece [Walsh] are having, they are enjoying it.
“It will be nice to go into the World Club Challenge with a full-strength team.”
Serious About Rugby League has launched a brand new podcast which can be watched in full on our YouTube channel here.
