LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Payne Haas has responded to rumors of unrest within the Brisbane Broncos due to coach Michael Maguire's methods.
Haas firmly dismissed any suggestions of discord among the team.
The controversy arose when Martin Taupau, a Broncos teammate, appeared to criticize Maguire on social media.
Reports reveal that the NRL club will not renew Taupau's contract following his online activity.
Taupau "liked" a post from former NRL player Elijah Taylor, who had shared his experiences playing under Maguire at the Wests Tigers.
In Taylor's remarks, he described feelings of "mentally and physically exhausted" during his time with Maguire, leading to a lack of energy before matches due to the demanding training methods.
He stated, "I've never seen a coach ride the game so hard.
After a win, the world is a better place.
After a loss, you're off to a funeral and someone will be getting cooked at the video session."
Taylor elaborated on the intense training style: "Ninety-five per cent of the time on the field it's full contact.
The hardest pre-season I have ever done is with Michael Maguire.
You haven't done an NRL pre-season until you have done a Michael Maguire pre-season." He also mentioned inefficiencies in team meetings, saying, "Let's have a meeting for a meeting for a meeting.
I'd get home from training and the kids don't know who I am anymore...
Hardly home."
He expressed concerns about players being worn down before game days: "Nothing worse than running out for game-day warm-up and you are sore.
I'm about to play an 80-minute game and my body feels like this." Taylor concluded that if Maguire could refine his approach, it might help improve the Broncos' performance this season.
Haas's defense of the aftermath surrounding Taupau suggests a strategic priority for the club, while also highlighting tensions surrounding the coaching style that may influence player morale and performance on the field.