LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
After Michael Maguire named Cory Paix as the starting hooker for the Brisbane Broncos this season, reports emerged about potential animosity between Paix and teammate Billy Walters, who had been favored by former coach Kevin Walters.
However, Paix's agent, Paul Hogan, denied any bad blood between the two players, emphasizing their friendship and mutual respect.
Hogan stated, "There's no animosity there...
They were at each other's weddings, so there's great respect between the guys."
The change in coaching staff seems to have benefited Paix, as Maguire's arrival reset the team selection process based on merit.
Hogan explained, "Everyone has gone back to the starting line under 'Madge' (Maguire) and guys are being picked on their merits." Former Broncos coach Anthony Seibold had initially moved Paix to the hooker position due to similarities with Damien Cook, and Maguire has been impressed with Paix's speed around the ruck and strong pre-season performance.
Paix's successful performance in the hooking battle led Maguire to prefer him as the starting No.9, relegating Walters and Tyson Smoothy down the pecking order.
Smoothy's decline in ranking eventually led to his signing with Wakefield in the English Super League for the next season.
Blake Mozer, another hooking candidate, was sidelined at the start of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Despite the competition, Paix seems to have solidified his position as the Broncos' first-choice hooker under Maguire's leadership.
Overall, despite initial speculation about tension between Paix and Walters, Hogan's clarification suggests that the two players maintain a positive relationship.
Maguire's coaching style, based on merit and performance, has allowed Paix to shine in the hooking role, ultimately earning him the starting position for the Broncos.