The Brisbane Broncos' coach Michael Maguire expressed frustration following their latest setback, a crushing 40-6 loss to the New Zealand Warriors, warning that another similar performance next week could lead to disastrous results.
This season has been a disaster for the reigning champions, marking their 15th loss of the year during Saturday night's matchup.
At Lang Park, the Broncos were quickly overwhelmed, as the Warriors rattled off three rapid tries, intensifying their chase for the minor premiership against the Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers.
Despite previously defending his players throughout the tumultuous 2026 season, Maguire was candid in the post-match press conference about their lackluster performance in what was a 34-point defeat, making it clear that the team's effort fell short.
"Not good enough, just plain and simple. We won't want to do that next weekend because we'll cop the same," he stated.
"It was really disappointing, that one. We're not playing the style that we know we've practised."
Next week, Brisbane will face the Canberra Raiders, who, like the Broncos, have struggled this season and won't be competing in the finals.
Interestingly, while Brisbane faltered, the Raiders managed to secure a surprising victory against strong contenders Cronulla.
Post-match, stand-in captain Pat Carrigan was queried by a reporter about the challenges of staying motivated for the upcoming games, given that finals aspirations have slipped away.