LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Gordon Tallis has commented on the growing discontent among Brisbane Broncos players regarding coach Michael Maguire, drawing a parallel to the issues that led to the departure of former coach Kevin Walters.
Reports suggest that Maguire is facing mounting pressure after the team suffered four losses in their last five matches.
With concerns rising over the team's performance, particularly their second-half collapses-conceding 52 points while scoring only eight-attention has shifted toward Maguire's coaching style.
Tallis, a Broncos legend, highlighted that similar frustrations surfaced before Walters was let go in 2024, following feedback from players during an end-of-season review.
He questioned, "The players didn't like Kevvie and he was maybe a softer and more of an attacking coach and now there's Madge who's at the other end (of the scale) so who do they like?" He went on to emphasize, "Players whinged last year and they're whingeing this year, well what do they want?"
Veteran journalist Andrew Webster corroborated the sentiment of discontent, stating he has heard consistent reports of rifts between the players and Maguire, whose coaching style may not resonate well with the team.
He noted, "There is plenty of noise out of Brisbane about players being unhappy there.
But I think that's only natural.
Is anyone surprised that Michael Maguire is a little bit too intense for Brisbane players? He's got a reputation that precedes him."
Maguire was appointed to replace Walters with the goal of altering the team's culture and instilling a tougher mentality.
Initially, his tenure started positively with four wins from five games.
However, the recent downturn in form, coupled with the visible frustrations among the players, raises questions about the compatibility of Maguire's approach with the team's dynamics.
The situation highlights the broader issues within the Broncos organization, where coaching philosophies and player expectations appear misaligned.