Broncos Coach Defends Team After Pre-Game Footage Sparks Criticism
Brisbane Broncos head coach Michael Maguire has responded strongly to the backlash his team faced this week following locker room footage that surfaced ahead of their recent loss to the Roosters.
The video, aired on Fox Sports, showed several Broncos players laughing shortly before the match began. This prompted commentators Cooper Cronk and Darren Lockyer to question the players’ mindset and preparation, suggesting the mood in the dressing room may have reflected a lack of focus.
Cronk, a respected Fox League analyst, remarked that although the footage didn’t reveal everything, it hinted at a potentially relaxed mentality that may not have been suitable ahead of a high-stakes NRL fixture. “It’s not the whole story, but it gives you a glimpse into the mindset,” Cronk said. “There was a bit of joking and not necessarily complacency, but not the full level of intensity needed for an NRL match.”
Lockyer, speaking on Channel 9’s QLDER, admitted the footage was “a bit odd,” but said opinions were split on how much it actually revealed. Both analysts also suggested that once the game started, some Broncos players looked to be cutting corners on the field.
However, Maguire dismissed the criticism, saying that a few seconds of footage were not reflective of the team’s professionalism or attitude. “That’s not an accurate picture of this group at all,” Maguire said. “People are forming opinions based on a few seconds of vision before the game. That’s not the full context.”
He defended his squad’s work ethic and commitment, adding, “The players care deeply about this club. I’m proud of the standards we’ve set and how the team has bought in. Yes, we didn’t get the result against the Roosters, but that’s not because the players weren’t prepared or didn’t take it seriously.”
Maguire emphasized that every NRL team faces the challenge of bringing consistent intensity every week and said the Broncos understand that well. “We’ve had conversations. Everyone knows there’s no room for complacency. The challenge is turning up with the right energy and focus every single week.”
Cronk, reflecting on the Broncos’ performance, acknowledged their talent but questioned their consistency. “This team is really good—arguably better balanced than most,” he said. “But consistency is the hurdle. Unless you’re the Bulldogs or Melbourne Storm right now, most teams are battling with that.”
He added that some players seemed focused on finding “big moments” rather than sticking to the basics, referencing captain Adam Reynolds’ confrontations with the referee as an example of the team’s frustration and lack of composure.
Despite the criticism, Maguire remains confident in his squad’s commitment, stressing that one clip doesn’t define the character or readiness of the team.
