Madge responds over Walsh bad blood theory, opens up on Broncos switch and Blues exit

The worst kept secret in rugby league has been confirmed after the Broncos announced Michael Maguire as their head coach following his release by the NSW Rugby League.

A Broncos announcement was made on Tuesday with Maguire named as Kevvie Walters’ successor at Red Hill following his sacking last week.

Maguire has signed a three year deal to coach the Broncos and will begin when pre-season starts in a matter of weeks.

The 50-year-old has 303 NRL and Super League games under his belt as a coach at Wigan, South Sydney and the Wests Tigers, including leading the Rabbitohs to their first Premiership in 43 years in 2014 and Wigan to their first title and Challenge Cup victory in many years.

Maguire also coached the New Zealand national team for 18 Tests from 2018-23, moving them to first in the world rankings, as well as leading New South Wales to an Origin series victory earlier this year.

Maguire was introduced as Brisbane coach to a media contingent at Broncos HQ on Tuesday morning and he spoke about his “hunger” to lead a team to another NRL premiership.

“I’m not going to put a timeline (on a premiership) but I’m in a rush,” Maguire said.

“I’ll work every single day to make sure we improve.

“Winning a grand final would be extremely special but I know there’s a lot of work to be done starting today.”

Maguire, who left his contract with the Blues a year early to take up this new gig, was also asked about coaching Broncos and Maroons star Reece Walsh, who was knocked out of the first Origin clash by a brutal high shot from NSW centre Joseph Suaalii.

A reporter asked Maguire if there would be any bad blood with Walsh, with Maguire replying:
“Nah. I’m sure we’ll have a laugh about that one.”

In a wide-ranging press conference, Maguire answered questions on some of the Broncos’ stars, how the new job came about and his exit from NSWRL.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT THE BRONCOS

Maguire: I don’t want to have an opinion about what’s happened in the past. I’ll get to know the players first and staff. I’ve studied every single players who plays at the Broncos for a long time so I know the capabilities but it’s about doing it every day. The big thing for me is a player with talent but one of character as well. Character plays the biggest part of any success that I’ve had across the walks of had in any organisation.

ON REECE WALSH

Maguire: Well I want to get to know Reece. That’s the first thing I want to do is get to know him as a person. Like all the players across the competition, they’re all talented, but again, getting to understand him and how he reads the game, educating him to the way I’d like him to play like all of them. It’s not just around one player, we’re a team and you know there’s going to be certain expectations and standards we all work to.