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'Trust in the process': Parker responds to criticism over Maguire's pre-season boot camp
Charles Goodsir • February 7th, 2025 12:37 pm
SEN’s Corey Parker has responded to claims that Michael Maguire’s pre-season camp for the Brisbane Broncos is too excessive.
Veteran rugby league journalist Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield has criticised Maguire for subjecting his players to what he believes are outdated boot camps. Rothfield fears that Broncos players will suffer burnout midway through the regular season after enduring a physically demanding pre-season.
Parker, who played 347 games for the Broncos, vehemently disagreed with Rothfield and firmly believes the Broncos needed a reality check after an underwhelming 2024 season.
“You can’t win a competition in January,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.
“However, you can certainly lose a competition in January. The Broncos players are highly paid athletes and ultimately, (a boot camp) is just training. You are paid to train.
“The Broncos needed a circuit breaker and they got it in Michael Maguire. He’s fair and he understands you need to work hard but also cares about the individual.
“Change does get the eyebrows raised but you will adapt. Sustained success comes from working hard.
“This is the only thing during the pre-season that will have you battle hardened and ready for the year.
“It’s all about testing the team on how they collectively react as a group, how they react as individuals and then, you start to peel back the character on the players you have in your group.
“The proof is in the pudding and that’s when shots are being fired whilst you're on the playing field over a 27 round marathon season.
“If you want what you got last year, continue to do the same thing. It’s the definition of insanity.
“Trust in the process. Maguire is a winner. He’s won in the NRL, Super League, on the international stage and in State of Origin. No other coach has done that.
“If you’re not happy as a player about the camp, then there’s the door.”
The Broncos travel to Allianz Stadium in Round 1 to take on the Sydney Roosters.
