He was previously a laughing stock when coaching the Wests Tigers - here's why the Broncos are blessed to have Michael Maguire at the helm
Share and Follow

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin has revealed why Michael Maguire’s hard-nosed style has paid off handsomely this season – and how his team plan to contain the Melbourne Storm in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.

Ballin spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail ahead of the decider at Accor Stadium in Sydney, and confirmed Brisbane’s preparation this week couldn’t have been better.

Maguire – who appeared to be on the coaching scrapheap after being sacked by the Wests Tigers in 2022 – has been front and centre when it comes to Brisbane’s impressive revival.

Under Kevin Walters last season, they finished in 12th spot – unacceptable for a club their size.

Club favourite Walters was shown the door, and the Brisbane old boys – led by Gorden Tallis – loudly questioned the appointment of ‘Madge.’

Despite his detractors, Maguire – who resurrected his coaching career with New Zealand and the NSW Blues last year at Origin level – maintained a dignified silence.

Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin has revealed why Michael Maguire's hard-nosed style has paid off handsomely this season as they prepare for the NRL Grand Final

Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin has revealed why Michael Maguire’s hard-nosed style has paid off handsomely this season as they prepare for the NRL Grand Final

Ballin won two NRL premierships with Manly - now he is eyeing off another triumph on the coaching staff at Brisbane

Ballin won two NRL premierships with Manly – now he is eyeing off another triumph on the coaching staff at Brisbane

Maguire has had his critics at Red Hill - but ending Brisbane's 19-year premiership drought would give him the last laugh

Maguire has had his critics at Red Hill – but ending Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought would give him the last laugh

Maguire knew he would ultimately be judged on results, so the first task was to toughen up his playing group, who were previously accused of having a soft underbelly.

The suspension of Ezra Mam for drug driving plus Adam Reynolds’ repeated hamstring concerns would have been a setback for many coaches, but Maguire isn’t one to make excuses.

It was about peaking for the NRL finals, with a top-four finish vital.

That was achieved with a win over Melbourne in round 27 at Suncorp Stadium in what proved to be a Grand Final preview – and it didn’t shock Ballin.

‘From day one (in pre-season) it was obvious what was required,’ he said.

‘Madge is upfront and honest, he wants the best for everyone.

‘The playing group is fit and strong…it is no coincidence we are still in a position to win the competition this year.’

Ballin added starting well against Melbourne is crucial on Sunday night – and doesn’t expect the playing group to be overawed in front of more than 80,000 fans.

‘Plenty were hurting after losing in 2023 (against Penrith), but that experience has been crucial this week,’ he said.

‘They know what to expect…now just they need to perform under pressure.’

After winning premiership rings with Manly in 2008 and 2011, being in the coaches box in recent years has been an experience for Ballin.

‘The biggest difference is that you can’t be out there looking to execute what you did at training,’ he said.

‘I’m confident we can get the result, we have shown a few times this year we are never beaten.’ 

Kick-off is 7.30pm AEDT on Sunday, with Brisbane looking to win their first title since 2006.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
A man being wanded by police in a pokies room.

Police Discover Large Knife Hidden in Man’s Pants at Gaming Room

A man has been charged after he was found with a large…
Elle UK issues apology statement after cropping Blackpink star Rosé from Paris Fashion Week photo - after facing major backlash from fans

Elle UK Apologizes for Editing Blackpink’s Rosé Out of Paris Fashion Week Photo Amidst Fan Outcry

Fashion magazine Elle UK has issued an apology after being slammed for…
Consular officials head to Israeli prison after five Australians activists detained

Consular Officials Visit Israeli Prison Following Detention of Five Australian Activists

Australian consular officials are on their way to a notorious Israeli prison,…
Levi had just turned 16 and gotten his learner driver's licence.

Devastated Mother Urges Funding for Vaccines Following Teen’s Tragic Passing

A devastated mother is calling for the meningococcal B vaccine to be…
Cyclone Errol is forecast to make landfall on Good Friday.

A Diverse Selection of Names for Upcoming Tropical Cyclones in Australia

A punk rock icon and a fermented Japanese rice have helped inspire…
First female Archbishop of Canterbury in history of Church of England appointed

Historic Appointment: Church of England Names First Female Archbishop of Canterbury

Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, has been announced as Archbishop of…
Matildas star Tameka Yallop and wife Kirsty celebrate arrival of baby Nova

Matildas Player Tameka Yallop and Wife Kirsty Welcome Baby Nova

<!– <!– <!– <!– <!– <!– Matildas veteran Tameka Yallop and her…
What will and won't be open on the public holiday

What’s Open and Closed on the Public Holiday

Millions of Australians will have some time off this weekend as they…