Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has shed light on how he managed the team during their recent bye week, offering a glimpse into the club’s mindset heading into the final stretch of the NRL season. With the Broncos riding high on a five-game winning streak, currently placed fifth on the NRL ladder, Maguire chose a refreshingly different approach during the break—prioritizing family time and mental rejuvenation over rigorous training.
As the team eyes a potential top-four finish, they sit just four points behind the New Zealand Warriors. Two crucial home games now lie ahead, first against the Parramatta Eels on Friday night and then against the South Sydney Rabbitohs—a team struggling at the bottom of the table. With momentum on their side, Brisbane is focused on maintaining form, but their week off had some observers concerned about a possible disruption in rhythm.
Speaking candidly on SEN Radio, Maguire revealed that rather than pushing his players through drills, he gave the entire squad and coaching staff a five-day break to spend with their families. In contrast to other coaches who worry about losing momentum and continue training, Maguire took a more holistic approach. For him, allowing the players to reconnect with family and unwind was more valuable than squeezing in extra sessions.
Maguire himself embraced the downtime, admitting it was a rare and welcome chance to simply be a dad and a husband. “I’m usually pretty full-on with the players,” he said, “but when I get a chance, I always love to get away with the family and just spend time at home—dropping the kids at school and getting to their sporting events. It was actually a nice little break.”
While he acknowledged that some teams struggle to regain momentum after a break, Maguire doesn’t believe his team will suffer the same fate. “You do get into a routine going week-to-week,” he explained. “We’ve had that rhythm recently, but now it’s about making sure we carry that forward. I know a break can disrupt your flow, so we need to jump straight back into the action against Parramatta. They’re a team that can start fast, so we need to match that intensity early.”
The Broncos’ resurgence has coincided with the return of their full-strength spine—Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds, and Ben Hunt—who are finally healthy and available at the same time. Their absence due to injuries and suspensions earlier in the season forced Maguire to adjust his lineup repeatedly. Mam missed the first nine games due to suspension, while Walsh and Hunt each spent time on the sidelines with injuries.
Now, with his first-choice spine on the field together, Maguire believes the team is entering a critical phase of development. “I think they’re going to continue to grow over the next month,” he said. “Ben Hunt hasn’t played much at hooker, but his rugby smarts at No.9 are a huge asset. That helps free up Ezra and Reece to do what they do best. I’ve got two seasoned leaders and two explosive playmakers. We can play a structured game, but those guys can also switch it on when there’s space. It’s the combination I envisioned when I took over, and now that we’ve finally got it, we’ll only improve with every game.”
This reunion of talent is especially exciting for Broncos fans who’ve seen flashes of brilliance from this group, but haven’t yet witnessed them together at full potential. Maguire highlighted how having the full spine back brings a new dimension to the team’s attack and balance, which could be pivotal as they push for a deep finals run.
Reece Walsh, in particular, continues to stand out both on and off the field. Maguire described him as an energizer who lifts the mood and competitiveness at every training session. “He brings energy every single day. He’s a livewire who genuinely loves his footy, and that enthusiasm rubs off on everyone. Add Ezra into that mix, and it changes the dynamic of the team. Reece is a fierce competitor—those are the types of players I love coaching.”
The bye week also provided an essential reset for Brisbane’s Origin stars. Key forward Payne Haas had been dealing with some lingering physical issues, and the time off allowed him to recover. Patrick Carrigan, another linchpin of the Broncos’ forward pack, didn’t have as heavy a workload during this year’s State of Origin series, which further aided his recovery and mindset heading into the remainder of the season.
Reflecting on the benefits of the break, Carrigan told AAP he learned from past mistakes. “In 2024, I was guilty of jumping straight back in without taking a breather,” he said. “This time, Madge gave us five or six days off, and that was exactly what I needed. It helped bring me back to a level-headed place and refocus me. I feel great heading into the back end of the year.”
The Broncos’ balanced approach—prioritizing both performance and well-being—could prove crucial in the high-pressure weeks ahead. The team’s newfound composure, combined with the return of key players and the coach’s deep trust in his squad’s ability to handle breaks responsibly, suggests they are well-positioned to keep climbing the ladder.
As the regular season nears its climax, the Broncos appear fresh, united, and more confident than ever. Michael Maguire’s belief in a family-first philosophy and trust in his players to come back sharp might be the secret weapon that propels Brisbane into the NRL finals with momentum on their side. With the right mix of leadership, youth, and flair, the Broncos could be building toward something special.
