Michael Maguire will talk to any former players upset with his appointment as Broncos coach

The Michael Maguire era at the Blues is over after just one year, with the veteran coach off to save the Broncos after another failed campaign in 2024.

Newly installed Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire says he’s “happy to talk” to any disgruntled former players about his decision to ditch the NSW Blues and chase another NRL premiership which he declared he was in a “rush” to achieve.

A cohort of former Broncos, led by club great Gorden Tallis, launched into Brisbane officials for sacking Kevin Walters after a club review, then swiftly appointing Maguire, who led the Blues to a State of Origin series win in his debut as coach in 2024.

Declaring his intent to harness all the power of the Broncos to net another premiership to add to the 2014 title he won with South Sydney, Maguire said unity was important and if that meant talking through things with former players, he was up for that.

“I’m happy for them to have their opinions and I’m happy to talk to anyone,” he said after confirmation of his three-year contract.

“Everyone’s got their own opinions, but we want to make great performances on the field that they can be proud of.

Michael Maguire wants to create history at Brisbane. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“They’ve been able to put a history into this organisation but it’s about this current crop of players creating their own now.

“I like the history. That’s the thing that draws me to the Broncos, the history and also being able to create history with the current playing group.

“I’ve studied every player that plays for the Broncos for a long time. I know their capabilities, it’s about being able to do that every day.

“I always look for a player of talent and character as well. Character plays the biggest part in any success I’ve had across various organisations. The building of the person is very important and the talent comes off the back of that.

Maguire has walked away from the Blues job to replace Kevin Walters at the Broncos. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Maguire helped NSW win its first State of Origin series since 2021, with the Blues bouncing back from a horror game one to win the next two matches, including the decider at Suncorp Stadium.

The former premiership-winning coach at Souths brought a steely edge to the side and appeared to get under Billy Slater’s skin, with Blues fans hopeful of long-term success under Maguire.

But he’s now off to the Broncos after they parted ways with club legend Walters last week following another poor year where they missed the finals for the third time in four seasons under his watch.

“We all want to have success and I’ll work every day to improve. The players all talk about how great the club is so that’s exciting,” he said.

“Winning a grand final would be extremely special but I know a lot of work has to be done and I’ll start today.

Welcome to Brisbane, Madge ✍️

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— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) September 30, 2024

“I love the expectation. That’s part of what helps go towards success every day. The expectation is you turn up and are at your best.

“We all play a part. Everyone in this organisation plays a part in the success.

“It’s the past players to everyone involved who will create that and enjoy that.

“There’s nothing better than when you see a club rise because everyone goes on the journey together.

“I like to create something great wherever it is I go and there’s a great opportunity here at the Broncos to do that.”

His decision to leave means the Blues are on the hunt for a new coach for the 2025 series, with a recruitment process to begin shortly as they look to ensure this year’s success doesn’t go to waste.

“The organisation wishes to acknowledge a successful tenure on the part of Michael Maguire culminating in the 2024 State of Origin series win. We wish Michael and his family the very best for the future,” a NSWRL statement read.

“NSWRL will commence a recruitment process to appoint a new coach in due course. The organisation will be making no further comment at this time.”