LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a surprising move, Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has made a significant addition to his coaching team, securing Cameron Smith, one of rugby league's biggest names, to join the Broncos staff ahead of the 2026 season.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph, Smith will not be playing but rather taking on a mentoring role at the Broncos' Red Hill facility. His focus will be on guiding the team's leadership group as they aim to defend their premiership title in the upcoming season.
Discussions between Smith and Maguire took place during the Broncos' post-season camp in Noosa, where the coaching staff and CEO Dave Donaghy started planning for their title defense.
This appointment represents a full-circle moment for Maguire, who initially met Smith in 2004 while he was an assistant to Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm. The two have sustained a strong connection over the years, with Maguire reaching out to Smith to assist in nurturing the skills of emerging leaders like Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Kotoni Staggs.
Cameron Smith, now 42, retired in 2020 after an illustrious career that included 430 NRL games and three premierships with the Melbourne Storm. Since retiring, he has worked as a commentator for Channel 9 and held positions as an assistant coach for Queensland Origin and a selector for the Kangaroos.