LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Michael Maguire, head coach of the Brisbane Broncos, has faced a rollercoaster ride during the tumultuous 2025 NRL season. Despite being criticized for his training methods, he recently celebrated coaching Brisbane to victory in the NRL premiership, marking a remarkable comeback for the team after nearly 20 years without a championship.
Maguire has a history of success, having previously led the South Sydney Rabbitohs to premiership glory 11 years ago. Following his tenure at the Wests Tigers, where he experienced challenges that resulted in his dismissal, Maguire has justified the Brisbane board's faith in him by guiding the team to reclaim the trophy for the River City.
The path to the premiership wasn't straightforward. At one point, the Broncos were languishing in 12th place on the standings. However, a string of victories in the latter half of the season, including four consecutive wins even without key players Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, propelled them into the top four and playoff contention.
Brisbane displayed resilience in the finals, executing three consecutive comeback wins against formidable opponents like the Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers, and Melbourne Storm. The team's fitness level played a significant role in their success during these matches.
In a post-grand final interview on Channel Nine, Maguire addressed the criticisms of his training methods. He dismissively remarked, "blah, blah, blah," indicating his disregard for the negative feedback. He further expressed that he found the criticism "embarrassing," reflecting his confidence in the team's approach and results.