Veteran Brisbane Broncos prop Martin Taupau has sparked controversy by ‘liking’ an Instagram video that harshly criticised coach Michael Maguire. The video, posted by Elijah Taylor—who played under Maguire at Wests Tigers—outlined three main reasons for the Broncos’ underperformance: intensity, training methods, and time management.
Since Maguire’s appointment to the Broncos at the start of the 2025 pre-season, there has been speculation about player dissatisfaction with his demanding coaching style. The situation has escalated after Taupau’s endorsement of Taylor’s criticisms. Esteemed rugby league reporter Ben Dobbin commented on Triple M radio, highlighting that discontent within the club is at an all-time high, and changes to the culture could be on the horizon, with meetings scheduled soon that could lead to consequences for the players involved.
Not only does Taupau currently play for Maguire but he was also coached by him during Four Test matches in 2018. Taylor revealed that he has received numerous queries about why the Broncos are struggling under Maguire’s leadership, especially given expectations that they would contend for a top-four finish this season. Currently, they sit seventh on the ladder, winning just one of their last five games.
Taylor elaborated on the intensity of Maguire’s coaching, suggesting that his pre-match environment can feel like attending a “funeral” after losses, with intense video review sessions that leave players on edge. He described these sessions as incredibly demanding, with players being subjected to intense scrutiny when results don’t go their way.
Maguire’s coaching methods at the Broncos have drawn comparisons with his previous roles, where he faced criticism for his rigorous training camps meant to instil resilience and toughness in players. However, the scrutiny has intensified following a three-day army-style camp designed to push players to their limits. While Maguire did lead South Sydney to a premiership victory in 2014, his tenures at the Rabbitohs and Tigers were marked by tension and eventual dismissals.
Taylor noted that Maguire’s training style prioritises full-contact drills, even shortly after matches, which can be exhausting and potentially harmful to players’ health. He expressed concern that constant physical demands could lead to injuries. Alongside intensity and training, Taylor also mentioned inefficiencies in meeting schedules, labelling them cumbersome and detrimental to players’ time management, leaving little room for family life outside of football.
As the Broncos prepare for their next match against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, both players and management will be keen to address these issues if they hope to turn their season around.