In recent discussions surrounding the Brisbane Broncos, new head coach Michael Maguire has faced scrutiny over his training methods, with claims of overworking players during the pre-season. This speculation intensified following a rigorous three-day training camp reminiscent of army exercises, which took place west of Brisbane. Broncos captain Adam Reynolds addressed these concerns, stating that the lack of off-field dramas within the team has limited the media’s narrative, and emphasised that they are committed to hard work as a pathway to success.
Maguire responded to the claims of “over-cooking” players, dismissing them as unfounded and emphasizing how other successful clubs, such as Penrith and Melbourne, forge their paths through equally tough pre-seasons. He expressed amusement at the contrast in public perception, highlighting that while some teams are praised for their demanding training, his own methods receive criticism.
Reynolds aimed to quell any further doubts about the team’s morale ahead of their opening match against the Roosters, reaffirming the players’ dedication to maintaining high standards through their hard work. He articulated the team’s collective commitment to improvement, stating, “We want to be the best we can be, and if that means hard work then we’ve got to go through it.”
The off-season for the Broncos was not without controversy, most notably marked by an incident involving five-eighth Ezra Mam, who faced legal issues following a crash while driving under the influence, resulting in injuries to two individuals. Outside of this incident, notable events included another controversy involving players from the Raiders.
Maguire took the helm of the Broncos after the surprise dismissal of club legend Kevin Walters, a decision that Reynolds sympathised with while showing enthusiasm for working with Maguire again, with whom he had previously secured a premiership title at the Rabbitohs. Reynolds praised Maguire’s coaching abilities, highlighting his high expectations for player professionalism and the impact this has on shaping individuals both on and off the field.
As the Broncos prepare for the NRL season, the focus remains on the shared goals of the team, with both Reynolds and Maguire underlining a collective commitment to excellence and the hard work necessary to achieve it.