As the dust settles on Kevin Walters’ departure, Michael Maguire’s previous connections and clear vision for success are already influencing key decisions at Red Hill, where a cultural reset is brewing for the Brisbane Broncos.
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Cultural reset takes centre stage
Michael Maguire has wasted no time addressing speculation about the club’s culture, acknowledging but diplomatically handling claims about ‘rockstars’ in the Brisbane Broncos dressing room. “You hear all the noise, at the end of the day, until I meet someone, that’s when I’ll judge them,” Maguire stated on SEN Radio. “There are certain things I know we need to do as a group to see success.”
The new coach’s philosophy is clear: success comes through dedication. “I have only ever seen success come when players want to work hard. And that is what I will be asking of the players,” Maguire emphasised. “It comes with sacrifice…the harder you work, the more things come into your life.”
Club CEO Dave Donaghy has openly acknowledged the need for change. “I’m not going to shy away from the fact I do believe we’ve got some cultural challenges,” Donaghy said on 4BC’s breakfast radio show. “And that’s an area that we’re going to invest in and be really stronger.”
Mam situation creates potential Hunt homecoming
In a significant development that could reshape the Broncos’ playmaking options, young five-eighth Ezra Mam’s future is uncertain after testing positive during a roadside drug test following a car accident. CCTV footage has revealed Mam veered onto the wrong side of the road before colliding head-on with another vehicle, with Queensland Police alleging he was driving unlicensed at the time of the crash, the AAP reports.
#EXCLUSIVE: The Brisbane Broncos are in damage control tonight after star player Ezra Mam was involved in a crash that left three others, including a young girl, in hospital
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) October 19, 2024
Mam allegedly testing positive on a roadside drug test. @BaileyKenzie9 #9News pic.twitter.com/zmUmxA7pjQ
The incident, which occurred around Friday, 5:20 p.m. on Simpsons Road in Bardon, resulted in Mam and the occupants of the other vehicle—an Uber driver and passengers in a Toyota Camry—being hospitalised, though all were reported to be in stable condition.
Following the accident, Mam has since voluntarily entered professional treatment, and a police investigation is now underway, reports the Courier Mail.
The situation could have far-reaching implications for the club’s roster management. With Mam’s $4 million contract under review, veteran commentator Andrew Voss suggests this could pave the way for Hunt’s return. “If Ezra Mam is sacked, and he’s on $800,000 a year, the Broncos will then have money to spend,” Voss noted on his SEN breakfast show.
The Dragons have granted Hunt permission to explore options with rival clubs despite his contract running until 2025, with the Queensland veteran’s desire to finish his career in his home state well-documented.
Reynolds, Walsh central to Brisbane Broncos transition
Amid the changes, Adam Reynolds is set to maintain his captaincy role, with Maguire expressing full confidence in his former premiership-winning halfback. “I don’t have any reason [to replace Reynolds as captain],” Maguire confirmed with SEN. “He is a winner. He’s taken that team to some pretty good places already, so as long as he’s fit and healthy and he is right, he is a great leader.”
Reynolds, who sits just 13 games shy of the prestigious 300-game milestone, has embraced the leadership responsibility. “I’d love to do the job next year, 100 percent,” Reynolds stated, while maintaining his focus on the team’s success above individual accolades. The veteran playmaker’s presence will be crucial as the Broncos navigate this period of significant change.
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Star fullback Reece Walsh has emerged as another key figure in the Broncos cultural direction, backed by Queensland coach Billy Slater, who is challenging some of the misconceptions surrounding the young player. “He’s got a great work ethic,” Slater emphasised on Channel Nine. “He’s a very respectful young man—he has got a perception out there that he’s a bit of a larrikin and likes the limelight, but he works really hard and he loves the game of footy.”
The Courier Mail also reports that Michael Maguire, as New Zealand’s former coach, had previously tried to recruit Walsh for the Kiwis. “I knew he had New Zealand heritage, so I reached out, but Reece has a strong passion for Queensland and undoubtedly wants to play for Australia one day,” Maguire shared.
Published 21-October-2024