Martin Taupau and Brisbane Broncos split amicably following social media fallout

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has addressed veteran prop Martin Taupau’s sudden exit from the club, with both parties agreeing to part ways immediately following the fallout from a social media post.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has broken his silence on the Martin Taupau saga following a social-media storm that has seen Brisbane part ways with the veteran prop.

The amicable split comes off the back of Taupau liking a social media post by retired Kiwis player Elijah Taylor, who was critical of Maguire.

This masthead can reveal Taupau’s departure will be formalised early next week following a meeting with Brisbane’s senior players and Maguire over the past 24 hours.

Taupau was named on Brisbane’s extended bench for Sunday’s clash against the Dragons. But he won’t feature for the Broncos, nor will he turn out for feeder club Souths Logan in Sunday’s Hostplus Cup clash against Townsville Blackhawks.

Marty Taupau has played his final game for the Broncos. Picture: NRL Photos

The decision is a line-in-the-sand moment at the Broncos under Maguire, who wants complete cultural buy-in as pressure builds on Brisbane to snap a 19-year premiership drought.

Maguire confirmed Taupau, who was off-contract at season’s end, is headed for the Red Hill exits, although he refused to be critical of the former Kiwi Test enforcer.

“The club is still working through that (Taupau’s early release), so I won’t make too many comments,” Maguire said.

“I want everyone that is at the club or moves from the club at some stage to prosper on the back of what they do.

“That (Taupau leaving) will be sorted out as we move forward, but the club is still working through a few things.

“I will let that play out.”

Taupau's Instagram post from Thursday night.

Asked if he was disappointed in Taupau effectively bagging him as a coach, Maguire said: “I don’t want to comment on that.

“It’s probably more up to the front office, but I guess things will progress quickly (with Taupau’s departure).

“It’s known where it’s at, but it’s a matter for how the club deals with it now.

“It’s an organisational decision around how we have gone about it.”

It is understood Brisbane’s senior leadership group, which includes skipper Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan, were bitterly disappointed with Taupau’s actions.

Taupau likes Taylor’s video

“It’s not a good look,” Reynolds told Triple M’s Rush Hour show on Friday.

Taupau has played just one NRL game for Brisbane this year and was unlikely to feature in any of Maguire’s plans moving forwards, hence the decision from both parties to split.

It allows the 35-year-old to return to Sydney. Taupau, who was off-contract at season’s end at Brisbane, is holding out hope that he will be able to join an NRL club and extend his playing career.

He has played 256 top grade games with stints at Canterbury, Tigers, Manly and Brisbane. Taupau joined the Broncos in 2023 but has played more Queensland Cup than first grade this year.

Taupau took to social media himself on Thursday night to express his remorse, saying he had no personal problem with Maguire.

Taylor played under Maguire at the Tigers.

“Today I liked a video by Elijah Taylor talking about Michael Maguire’s coaching methods,” he wrote.

“I regret this as it was not my intention to endorse the video. I removed the like immediately after.

“I want to make it clear, I am thoroughly enjoying being coached by Michael Maguire and will continue to do whatever I can to help the Broncos win a premiership in 2025.”

But Taupau’s tenure at the Broncos is now over, although Maguire dismissed suggestions his endorsement of Taylor’s post is a sign he is on the nose with Brisbane players.

Maguire has welcomed the support of Brisbane’s leaders Reynolds, Carrigan and Payne Haas, who have launched a passionate defence of the premiership coach.

“I am open with my leaders and we talk about things all the time,” he said.

“Even the leaders themselves are pushing hard to get to the highest level. I have a really hungry group.

“There’s external things that will create noise but that doesn’t worry me.”