Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Join our fantasy SRP leagueMaguire confident in Broncos' mentality ahead of World Club Challenge
Charles Goodsir • January 28th, 2026 12:56 pm
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has assured fans that his side will not be treating the World Club Challenge as an exhibition match ahead of their title defence.
After claiming the 2025 Premiership, the Broncos will fly to London on February 9 to eventually face Super League Premiers Hull KR on February 20 at MKM Stadium in Hull.
Maguire told SEN that despite the lengthy travel and tight window ahead of Round 1, the Broncos’ primary focus is to claim their first World Club Challenge title since 1997.
“We just want to try and get better,” Maguire said on SEN 1170.
“For us, there’s so much more (improvement) left in us. The players and the coaching staff are aware of how I want to do things.
“We go to the World Club Challenge and it’s a great opportunity for the players.
“From all the signs at training, I’m seeing better results and (changes) in the way they are going about training.
“The leaders are now jumping in and getting things organised. We know what we’ve done in the past has created what we’ve got.
“Everyone is fit and healthy (and) the camaraderie around the group is really strong.
“I enjoy touring from previous experiences and it’s nice to do something with a team.
“We are completely focused on giving our best performance (because) we know that Round 1 is right around the corner.”
After narrowly missing out on the 2023 Premiership, the Broncos slid in 2024 and missed finals altogether. This resulted in former coach Kevin Walters being relieved of his duties.
Following Walters’ dismissal, Maguire was appointed with the goal of ending a 19-year Premiership drought but also to fix the rockstar perception of the Broncos players.
“It was a tag when I came to the Broncos. There was noise around the team that they were rockstars,” Maguire continued.
“When you meet the players, it’s amazing how much time they give to our supporters.
“The tag has been built on people outside. The way the players go about things, it’s completely the opposite.
“People have their thoughts on how teams are seen but it’s something this team has worked hard on.
“They want to be seen in the community and be a part of the people.”
The Broncos begin their NRL title defence with a blockbuster Friday night fixture at Suncorp Stadium against the Penrith Panthers on March 6.
