Brisbane Broncos Eye Michael Maguire as Leading Candidate for Head Coach Role
Less than 24 hours after the Brisbane Broncos’ head coaching position became vacant, a potential frontrunner has already emerged for the 2025 season. Michael Maguire, a seasoned NRL coach, is reportedly in discussions with the Broncos to take over the reins, with sources suggesting he has become the leading candidate.
Other potential options for the role include Josh Hannay, Trent Barrett, Jason Demetriou, Brad Arthur, Brad Thorn, and the Walker brothers, Ben and Shane. However, reports from 4BC Brisbane indicate that Maguire is now the preferred choice.
Should Maguire accept the position, the New South Wales (NSW) Blues will be searching for their third new coach in as many years. Maguire, a former premiership-winning coach with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, brings extensive experience to the table. He has a strong working relationship with Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds, which could play a pivotal role in his success with the team.
Maguire’s impressive coaching résumé includes 303 first-grade games with the Wigan Warriors (2010-2011), South Sydney Rabbitohs (2012-17), and Wests Tigers (2019-22). He led Wigan to the 2010 Super League title and the 2011 Challenge Cup, before guiding the Rabbitohs to an NRL Premiership in 2014. Most recently, he coached the New Zealand Kiwis to victory over Australia in the 2023 Pacific Championships and has held a 2-1 record as head coach of the NSW Blues in the State of Origin series.
Despite his credentials, some figures within the Broncos community have raised concerns. Club legend Shane Webcke expressed his confusion over the potential appointment of Maguire and questioned the decision to part ways with Kevin Walters. Speaking on SENQ’s “Breakfast with Pat and Heals,” Webcke remarked, “Mate, he coaches New South Wales. Spare me that… Did we get rid of Kevvie Walters for that? I don’t think so.”
Webcke went on to criticize the way the club handled Walters’ exit, suggesting there may be more behind the scenes than what is being presented. “Kevvie’s known the toll this job takes on family since the beginning, so for that to come up now seems like a way to dress up the situation,” he added. “If you’re going to make a tough call, call it what it is.”
As speculation continues, it remains to be seen whether Maguire will officially step into the role or if the Broncos will look elsewhere for their next head coach.