The Tackle: The ‘All Broncs’ galvanised for Adam Reynolds’ milestone - can they do it for Michael Maguire?

Brisbane’s all black kit sent the NRL world into a frenzy and helped to revive their stuttering season. But was Brisbane’s return to form down to a brave call from Michael Maguire at the selection table?

The ‘All Broncs’ were all power and all intent on Saturday night.

Not only did Brisbane look like the famed “All Blacks”, the Broncos went into beast mode in their black kit - which was a collaboration with the Black Dog Institute to help raise mental health awareness.

Club greats, and pundits alike, have spent the last two months questioning whether Michael Maguire’s men had enough pride in the burgundy and gold jumper that has been worn by some of the greatest ever to lace on the boots.

But it took a fresh look at Suncorp Stadium to spark the Broncos, and their season, back to life.

The black kit was like a clean slate almost, a chance to set aside the pressure, and the weight, that comes with donning a Broncos jersey week in, week out.

The Broncos after the win over the Titans. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Broncos also showed they can galvanise for a good cause and for skipper Adam Reynolds’ 300th NRL game.

But star forward Pat Carrigan put it bluntly after disposing of the Titans, declaring it should not have taken Reynolds’ milestone to produce such a dominant performance.

Carrigan is right.

Playing for a powerhouse club, in one of the NRL’s most famous jerseys should be motivation enough.

But if Carrigan and his teammates do need a reason to keep turning up every week, then there is none bigger than coach Maguire.

It’s the only way to silence the chatter that players are unhappy under the coach.

Under pressure, Maguire made a huge call to axe Selwyn Cobbo in favour of Josiah Karapani, who scored two tries on the wing.

Maguire sent a strong message, that not even a superstar is safe.

But it also triggered the right response.

Others like backrower Brendan Piakura, who’s spot in the side has not been a guarantee in 2025, played his best game of his career so far - that was the assessment of Maroons coach Billy Slater.

The impact of livewire fullback Reece Walsh also can’t be understated. He can be rocks and diamonds but when he shines, like he did on the weekend, the Broncos look like a premiership threat.

His energy and creativity, and combination with five-eighth Ezra Mam, makes Brisbane a scary proposition.

The key for Maguire now is to keep his talented side from getting too far ahead of themselves after a single, but important, win.

And to keep complacency away from Red Hill.

The willingness of Maguire to wield the selection axe should help the coach do exactly that.