Can Maguire lift Broncos into Premiership contention?

Charles Goodsir • September 1st, 2025 12:35 pm

The Brisbane Broncos sit inside the top four heading into the final game of the regular season following their 38-30 win over the North Queensland Cowboys.

A top four finish at the end of the season would not only give the Broncos a double chance but guarantees at least one home final in the 2025 finals series.

However, the Broncos were far from perfect in Round 25 and SEN’s Corey Parker enjoyed coach Michael Maguire giving his team a spray at half time.

“The players weren’t doing the things that I know they’re capable of,” Maguire said in his post-match press conference.

“The players knew that themselves.”

“There were some moments from the Broncos,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“Leaking 30 points is certainly not ideal so they are definitely going to have to clean that one up.

“Every coach is always under the microscope and particularly at half-time.

“I loved what I saw from Maguire because the Broncos absolutely needed that (half time spray).

“Earlier in the season, all of the pundits down South of the border were all calling for Maguire’s head because his training methods were too hard and players were burnt out.

“Well they’re now in the top four.

“It was a huge game for one and they knew that going into the contest.

“Some of the individual performances. If Reece Walsh doesn’t play, the Broncos don’t win.

“They’ve got work to do but the positive for Brisbane is that they haven’t hit their straps for a full 80-minute performance.”

The Broncos have now set up a must-win clash against the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday to kick off Round 27.

The Storm may rest several players in the final round as they have sewn up second position on the ladder. However, following Melbourne’s 40-10 defeat to the Sydney Roosters, coach Craig Bellamy may be inclined to play his full strength team.

“They simply must beat the Melbourne Storm,” Parker added.

“Team list Tuesday will be interesting because do they rest players?

“I think they do because there is really no upside to them playing.

“They are one of the smartest teams over the past two decades so I expect the Storm to rest players.

“It will be interesting to see but for the Broncos, they need to better and limit their errors.

“History dictates that if you are inside the top four, you can win the competition.”