Brisbane Broncos’ director, Darren Lockyer, has not committed to retaining coach Michael Maguire if the team finishes in the lower half of the NRL ladder this season. Currently, the Broncos sit in 11th place after 13 matches, with only one win separating them from the seventh-placed Manly Sea Eagles. Following a disappointing loss against Manly, uncertainty surrounds Maguire’s future, even though he is under contract until the end of 2027.
Lockyer’s comments reflect the pressure surrounding the club, especially after the swift dismissal of former coach Kevin Walters last season when the Broncos finished 12th. Walters’ team performed better at the same point last year, sitting fifth on the ladder, highlighting the struggles of the current squad.
Maguire’s coaching record is drawing parallels to Anthony Seibold’s difficult tenure with the Broncos, which led to his exit after less than two full seasons. In a recent discussion on Wide World of Sports, Lockyer implied that if the team fails to qualify for the finals, it would be disappointing. However, he expressed optimism that Maguire and his team could improve in the coming weeks.
Lockyer acknowledged that Maguire’s coaching style differs from that of his predecessor, and while signs of early adjustment were evident, the team is now facing challenges. Player injuries, including those of Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt, have exacerbated the situation.
Queensland legend Wally Lewis noted that the players are still acclimatising to Maguire’s methods, suggesting that with time, they will develop a better understanding of his coaching philosophy. Lockyer likened the Broncos’ position to that of the Bulldogs during Cameron Ciraldo’s first season in charge; while the Bulldogs ended up 15th, they rebounded to contest finals the following year.
The overall sentiment among the Broncos’ leadership is one of cautious optimism, with Lockyer expressing confidence in Maguire’s ability to turn the team’s fortunes around soon. Both Lockyer and Lewis believe that the Broncos have the potential for improvement, provided the players embrace Maguire’s approach.