Tag: Michael Maguire

Red Hill Awaits as Kotoni Staggs Nears Broncos Contract Extension

Red Hill could soon celebrate a major win, with Kotoni Staggs on the verge of committing to the Brisbane Broncos in a multi-year deal worth $2 million.

Read: Broncos Join Forces with State Rivals in Historic Talent Pathway Initiative

While the powerhouse centre has not yet put pen to paper, negotiations are in advanced stages, and club officials are confident of securing his long-term future before the NRL season opener against the Roosters on March 6.

Brisbane’s Retention Battle

The Broncos have been working hard to lock in Staggs amid interest from Sydney clubs, including the Roosters, who are looking to replace outgoing stars. Despite external offers, reports suggest Staggs has indicated his desire to remain at Red Hill, with discussions now focused on final contract details.

If completed, the extension would keep Staggs in Brisbane until at least 2028, securing one of the club’s most explosive attacking weapons for the foreseeable future. However, until the deal is formally signed, the Broncos remain on alert as rival clubs monitor the situation.

Kotoni Staggs
Photo Credit: HeySWYSH

What This Means for Selwyn Cobbo

With a big-money contract on the table for Staggs, the Broncos now face a tough salary cap puzzle, particularly regarding Selwyn Cobbo’s future. The club has been working on retaining both players, but Staggs’ potential deal could limit Brisbane’s ability to match outside offers for Cobbo, who has also attracted interest from rival NRL clubs.

Red Hill Fans Await Official Word

For Broncos supporters, especially those in Red Hill and surrounding areas, the anticipation is building. Staggs has been a key figure in the club’s resurgence, and securing him would be a major boost under coach Michael Maguire’s leadership.

While formal confirmation is still pending, all signs point to Staggs staying in Brisbane. Now, it’s a waiting game to see when the deal is finalised.

Read: Broncos Champion Local Causes with Charity Partnerships and Strapping and Education Night

Published 12-February-2025

Madge Maguire Confirms Adam Reynolds as Brisbane Broncos Captain

Photo Credit: Broncos.com.au

Adam Reynolds will continue as the captain of the Brisbane Broncos for the 2025 NRL season, solidifying his leadership in what is anticipated to be his final year on the field.

Read: Signs of Hope Amid Pre-season Concerns: Maguire’s Vision Takes Shape for the Brisbane Broncos

Leadership Announcement

The decision was confirmed on Thursday, 23 January 2025, at the Red Hill headquarters by newly appointed coach Michael “Madge” Maguire. This marks Mr Maguire’s first major call since stepping into the role, following the team’s disappointing 12th-place finish last season. 

Mr Maguire, who shares a long-standing relationship with Mr Reynolds from their 2014 premiership win with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, expressed full confidence in his captaincy.

Mr Maguire stated that Mr Reynolds has proven his ability to lead the team, both on and off the field. He emphasised the importance of teamwork, highlighting the formation of a revamped leadership group that includes Dragons recruit Ben Hunt alongside Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Kotoni Staggs.

Brisbane Broncos Roundup The Michael Maguire Era Dawns at Red Hill
Photo Credit: Broncos.com.au

Focus on Team Unity

Mr Maguire revealed that he spent months evaluating the squad’s dynamics before making this decision. He sees Mr Reynolds as a crucial figure in driving the Brisbane Broncos forward. Mr Maguire stressed that every player, from the youngest to the most experienced, has a role in leading through actions and behaviours, emphasising the need for a club-wide leadership mindset.

Mr Reynolds, 34, said he was honoured to retain the captaincy and excited to work with the strengthened leadership group. He acknowledged that Mr Hunt’s inclusion would provide significant value, given his extensive experience at both club and representative levels. Mr Reynolds noted that having Mr Hunt on board added immense value to the team.

Final Season and Legacy

Mr Reynolds’ journey with the Broncos began in 2022 after transferring from the Rabbitohs. Reflecting on his career, he expressed that playing under Mr Maguire again feels like a full-circle moment.

As he prepares for his final season, Mr Reynolds remains focused on supporting his teammates and ensuring the Broncos deliver a competitive performance. He explained that being captain isn’t just about the title but about guiding his teammates and sharing the mental load of the game.

The Brisbane Broncos are looking to turn the page on last year’s struggles and reignite community pride.

Read: Broncos Star Ezra Mam Reflects on Costly Mistake

With Mr Reynolds’ leadership, Mr Maguire’s strategic vision, and the collective efforts of the leadership group, the team aims to restore its standing as a formidable force in the NRL. Both urged fans to rally behind the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Published 23-January-2025

Brisbane Broncos Roundup: Enter the Michael Maguire Era

Photo Credit: NRL on Nine/Youtube

A new dawn at Red Hill as skipper Adam Reynolds is reunited with former coach, “Madge” Maguire, while young forward Kobe Hetherington earned national recognition with selection in the PM’s XIII squad.

Read: Madge MaGuire Comes To Red Hill

New sheriff heralds culture shift

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, who won a premiership under Maguire at South Sydney, offered insight into what his teammates can expect. “He comes in, he demands success straight away and he holds everyone accountable to their actions both on the field and off the field and the boys will get a bit of a shock,” Reynolds told Triple M.

The incoming coach showed immediate understanding of the club’s significance, acknowledging the Broncos as “one of rugby league’s great clubs” and emphasising his commitment to the fans.

“We want the members to turn up and be proud of the way we play, proud of their team,” Maguire stated.

Echoes of 2008’s coaching crossroads

As the Broncos embrace their new coaching direction, a fascinating revelation has emerged about a pivotal moment in the club’s history. In 2008, the club was on the verge of securing Craig Bellamy as Wayne Bennett’s successor—a move that could have dramatically altered the course of rugby league history.

Fox Sports’ Matty Johns revealed to the Courier News that Bellamy was ready to accept the role until a single comment about coaching autonomy derailed the entire deal. “The Broncos didn’t want Craig to have the same power over them that Wayne had,” Johns explained, noting that this was the decisive factor in Bellamy’s decision to remain with Melbourne.

The implications of that moment continue to reverberate, with Johns reflecting, “No doubt he would have won premierships with the Broncos… Craig would have been the perfect fit.”

Club legends consider futures

Two-time premiership winner Darius Boyd has already decided to exit his role as mentor to the club’s outside backs. The Courier Mail reports that Boyd, who had been instrumental in developing talents like Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo, notified the club of his departure one week before the coaching change, citing concerns about the direction of the football program.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the future of club immortal Allan Langer, who is weighing up his position following the departure of his longtime friend Kevin Walters.

According to the Courier Mail, the club is considering offering Langer a transition into a corporate role working with sponsors, with CEO Dave Donaghy emphasising, “We will always value what Alfie has done for the Broncos and we want to keep him here for life.”

Madge has expressed his desire to retain Langer, stating, “I’ve had a fair bit of time with Alf, and I think we all like Alf. So I want to see what he wants to do with himself and work out where he fits in.”

Hetherington earns PM’s XIII honours

While the coaching appointment dominated headlines, the Broncos received additional recognition with Kobe Hetherington earning selection in the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII squad to face Papua New Guinea. The exhibition match, scheduled for 13 October at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, represents a significant honour for the Broncos forward.

Hetherington joins as the sole Broncos representative alongside an impressive roster of NRL talent, with the team to be captained by departing South Sydney Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook.

Read: Bridging Brisbane: Cleary’s ‘The Comfort of Figs’ Roots in Red Hill History

All eyes now turn to early November when Maguire will officially begin preseason preparations with the squad.

Published 06-October-2024