Michael Maguire bans shirtless Broncos from training

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has put his foot down at the Broncos stamping out any remnants of a “rock star” mentality at Red Hill.

Michael Maguire has laid down the law at Red Hill, banning the Broncos from going shirtless as the NRL premiership-winning coach puts his stamp on Brisbane’s culture.

A ‘six pack ban’ is in place at the Broncos after Brisbane players were told to keep their training kits on when in view.

It wasn’t long ago that Broncos players would quickly rip their shirts off after a training session.

But that isn’t the case anymore.

They are also wearing official kit around the club when off the paddock.

At a recent team lunch, every player was in full Broncos kit without an NBA singlet or NFL jersey in sight. It didn’t go unnoticed.

Coach Kevin Walters and Reece Walsh, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

Patrick Carrigan, Broncos Training, NRL, at Red Hill, Brisbane, on Monday 26th August – Photo Steve Pohlner

It might sound like a subtle difference but these are the little changes Maguire is making following accusations the Broncos developed a “rock star” mentality during the club’s crash from 2023 grand finalists to 12th this year.

Maguire said he was determined to drive high standards at Red Hill and the players were buying in.

“It’s about creating the environment that we’re in. I want a high standard and it’s important they help drive and create it themselves,” he said.

“That’s part of success. How you’re turning up is very important. That’s the professional part of being a rugby league player at this level.

“If the guys do that well, you’re going to get a pretty good output with the people that we have.”

There was a strict ‘shirts on’ policy in place under Michael Maguire’s reign at Red Hill. Picture: Adam Head

Maguire has inherited a team with some big personalities but he has gone in with an open mind.

The former Rabbitohs and Tigers coach has spent the past month getting to know his squad and said he doesn’t believe they have bad attitudes.

“I’m not going to judge anyone,” he said.

“I haven’t seen that side (rock star) of things with the players.

“What I will say is perceptions are built, but you can change perceptions with what you do. What we get to build now is where we want to take the club and how we want to shape the club.

“I know they all care because I’ve had conversations with them and they all care very deeply for the Broncos.

“Already in pre-season, I’ve seen the players buy-in and have a crack. They’re very hungry.

“So the opportunities for success will be in front of them if they’re prepared to do the work as a team.

“It’s on everyone at this club. There’s a lot of good men here but we have to back it up. When things are wrong, we need to pull people up.”