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"No gamble": Why Maguire backs selections ahead of prelim
Nicholas Quinlan • September 27th, 2025 5:02 pm
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire doesn’t believe that he is taking any gambles when it comes to selecting Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam for their preliminary final on Sunday.
For both Reynolds and Mam, it will be their first match back in the side since their Round 23 loss to the Melbourne Storm, where both sustained hamstring injuries.
However, despite their absences, the Broncos have been unbeaten after reshuffling their spine, which has prompted debate about whether their inclusion could disrupt the form they are in.
But the 2014 Premiership coach did not think that he was taking any risks when it came to selecting Reynolds as the starting halfback and Mam as the No. 14.
“It’s no gamble for me,” Maguire said in their final training session before their match against Penrith.
“I know the players intimately and I know their game inside-out.
“I’ve had some great experiences with our seven (Reynolds), and I know what he’s capable of.
“His leadership out there is going to be excellent."
Maguire also noted the importance of Xavier Willison being in the side for the first time since Round 22, with Patrick Carrigan being out due to his one-week suspension from the Qualifying Final.
“We’ve got big Xavier coming back in, too. That’s one (selection) that probably hasn’t been spoken about. His growth this year has been excellent.
“To be able to have a player like him come back in, with Patty on the sidelines this week, is pretty special.
“We are all fit and raring to go...the boys are in good shape.”
The Broncos are hoping to make their way to their second Grand Final in the space of three years, whilst also ending Penrith’s chances at a historic five-peat.
The match will take place at Suncorp Stadium with kick-off at 4:05pm.
SEN will have live coverage of the game starting from 10am with Broncos Breakfast on SENQ.
That will be followed by NRL Crunch Time before SEN League’s coverage starts from 3pm.
All of these programs will be available on the SEN app and through its radio network.
