LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Phil Gould has dismissed recent claims regarding the Brisbane Broncos' lack of effort, asserting that the players are actually over-trying during their current slump.
The Broncos' performance has come under scrutiny following a heavy 34-0 defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles, marking their sixth loss in seven games and leaving them in 12th place on the NRL ladder despite having strong players like Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, Reece Walsh, and Adam Reynolds.
Gould expressed support for coach Michael Maguire, believing he can make the necessary "mental" adjustments to turn the team's fortunes around.
While the coach has made changes, including moving Carrigan back to lock, pressure is mounting on Maguire after a promising start to the season.
Both Ben Ikin and Darren Lockyer have raised concerns about Maguire's future at the club amid the team's struggles.
Addressing the team's challenges on his podcast, Six Tackles with Gus, Gould argued against perceptions that the players have lost faith in Maguire.
He stated, "When you see a side like that, all of a sudden it's the players are off with the coach, the coach has lost the dressing room...
that's rubbish, I don't see that at all." He emphasized that external critiques are often swayed by the scoreboard, noting, "I'm watching the game and I'm not seeing a lack of effort, I'm not seeing a lack of care.
I certainly can't label them with that."
Gould maintained that the players' issues stem from overexertion rather than a failure to engage with the coaching strategies, suggesting that their determination might have become counterproductive.
His insights reflect a belief that the Broncos' struggles are complex and perhaps not indicative of underlying dissent within the team.