The Brisbane Broncos face a challenging future as the club anticipates decisions regarding premiership coach Michael Maguire, particularly as they seem unlikely to secure a finals berth during their title defense.
Currently positioned at 16th on the ladder, the Broncos are in the midst of an eight-game losing streak that includes setbacks against fellow struggling teams like St George Illawarra and Gold Coast.
With an eight-point gap separating Brisbane from the finals, hopes for Maguire appear "screwed," marking a significant moment in his coaching journey as he prepares for a "real test."
"Once you start looking at the maths and adding up the points, you're screwed," stated rugby league coach Lee Addison on the latest episode of the Loose Carry NRL Podcast. "I really thought Madge Maguire was going to turn it around. There's injuries and culture problems at the Brisbane Broncos."
"I think it's a crucial time for those at Red Hill. The decision makers, they're going to get to a point where they need to back Michael Maguire or decide the thing isn't worth pursuing."
"This is worse, almost, in terms of extremities, than the Kevin Walters time... this is a real test for Madge. Is he an old-school coach who really pushes players beyond the norm and talks to players in a certain way when they won't cop any more?"
This week's podcast features a recap of an exhilarating weekend where the Dragons achieved their first home win since August, and the Knights ascended into the top four. Additionally, 'Fair or Foul' addresses Jonah Pezet's contract with Parramatta and Luke Brooks' position at Manly. A preview of the Origin series decider is also included, along with Lee Addison discussing the fullback's role in Coach's Corner.