Michael Maguire /Photo Brisbane Broncos Brisbane, Australia — Michael Maguire has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Brisbane Broncos after being released from his duties with the New South Wales State of Origin team. The Broncos confirmed on Tuesday that Maguire has signed a three-year deal, taking over the coaching responsibilities immediately ahead of the 2025 pre-season.
The announcement comes just five days after the club parted ways with club legend Kevin Walters. Maguire's appointment represents a significant turnaround for the 2014 premiership winner, who was dismissed by the Wests Tigers during a challenging 2021 season. Since then, he has enjoyed success, winning a Pacific Championship with New Zealand and an Origin series with New South Wales.
The announcement comes just five days after the club parted ways with club legend Kevin Walters. Maguire's appointment represents a significant turnaround for the 2014 premiership winner, who was dismissed by the Wests Tigers during a challenging 2021 season. Since then, he has enjoyed success, winning a Pacific Championship with New Zealand and an Origin series with New South Wales.
In a statement released by the club, Maguire expressed his excitement about joining the Broncos, stating, “The Broncos are one of rugby league’s great clubs and it will be an honour to step into the role of head coach.” He acknowledged the high expectations of the Broncos organization, emphasizing its rich history and the significance it holds for fans.
Maguire's primary challenge will be to address the team's performance issues, particularly following their defeat in last year's grand final. The Broncos' drop to 12th place on the NRL ladder this season marks one of the most significant declines in premiership history, despite having a roster filled with star players.
The new coach may also face resistance from the Broncos’ influential old boys club. The challenges that arose during Anthony Seibold’s tenure, which ended in 2020, remain fresh in the minds of many. Broncos legend Shane Webcke recently questioned the decision to sack Walters, while Gorden Tallis criticized the move on national television, stating that he did not believe Maguire was a better coach than Walters.
Tallis further voiced his concerns about the Broncos’ leadership, suggesting that past coaching changes have hindered the club's progress. He advised Maguire to “lose his number,” hinting at a lack of support given his official employment with the Titans.
Maguire's departure from the Blues leaves the New South Wales team at a crossroads, having just appointed him as State of Origin coach last summer. He had outlined plans for the team at a luncheon last Friday, but by Saturday morning, he had expressed his interest in the Broncos position to NSWRL chairman Paul Conlon. Following a quick board meeting on Monday, the NSWRL agreed to release Maguire from his contract.
The NSW Rugby League Board issued a statement acknowledging Maguire's successful tenure and his recent victory in the 2024 State of Origin series. They extended their best wishes for his future endeavors, while also indicating that they would begin the search for a new coach, with Paul McGregor emerging as a potential candidate. Other recent staff members, including Danny Buderus, John Cartwright, and Andrew Johns, are also in consideration for the role.
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Maguire's primary challenge will be to address the team's performance issues, particularly following their defeat in last year's grand final. The Broncos' drop to 12th place on the NRL ladder this season marks one of the most significant declines in premiership history, despite having a roster filled with star players.
The new coach may also face resistance from the Broncos’ influential old boys club. The challenges that arose during Anthony Seibold’s tenure, which ended in 2020, remain fresh in the minds of many. Broncos legend Shane Webcke recently questioned the decision to sack Walters, while Gorden Tallis criticized the move on national television, stating that he did not believe Maguire was a better coach than Walters.
Tallis further voiced his concerns about the Broncos’ leadership, suggesting that past coaching changes have hindered the club's progress. He advised Maguire to “lose his number,” hinting at a lack of support given his official employment with the Titans.
Maguire's departure from the Blues leaves the New South Wales team at a crossroads, having just appointed him as State of Origin coach last summer. He had outlined plans for the team at a luncheon last Friday, but by Saturday morning, he had expressed his interest in the Broncos position to NSWRL chairman Paul Conlon. Following a quick board meeting on Monday, the NSWRL agreed to release Maguire from his contract.
The NSW Rugby League Board issued a statement acknowledging Maguire's successful tenure and his recent victory in the 2024 State of Origin series. They extended their best wishes for his future endeavors, while also indicating that they would begin the search for a new coach, with Paul McGregor emerging as a potential candidate. Other recent staff members, including Danny Buderus, John Cartwright, and Andrew Johns, are also in consideration for the role.
Also read