Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Michael Maguire Broncos future debate has sharpened after Code Sports reporter Michael Carayannis suggested Brisbane could part ways with the premiership-winning coach at the end of the National Rugby League season.
The Broncos have lost six straight games, placing Maguire’s position under fresh scrutiny despite leading Brisbane to last year’s premiership.
The discussion comes during a packed National Rugby League week, with Round 16 NRL Teams: Origin Stars, Injury Returns and Selection Calls Shape Key Fixtures also shaping the round ahead. Fans can follow official updates through the National Rugby League website.
Carayannis Makes Bold Maguire Claim
“Parachute him in and parachute him out.”
That was Carayannis’ message on NRL 360, where he argued Maguire’s coaching style may not suit a long stay at one club.
“He’s won the comp at Brisbane... this is not a negative but I don’t think Michael Maguire’s style of coaching is for a long tenure at a club,” Carayannis said.
“If I’m Brisbane I’m going, ‘Thank you Madge, really appreciate you. Your job is done’. If I’m Michael Maguire, I’m going to go chase being the first coach to win three comps at three different clubs because if you’re a club at 80 per cent and you think you can win a premiership, he’s proven he can get you that next 20... so parachute him in and then parachute him out.”
“I would be comfortable if they separated now at the end of the season. I’m not approaching this as a negative. Some coaches are 10-year coaches at one club, some coaches are three-year coaches at one club.”
Broncos Slide Raises Pressure
Maguire previously won a premiership with South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014 and later coached Wests Tigers before being sacked in 2022.
Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds defended Maguire earlier this month, saying his approach had not changed.
“Not at all. The approach hasn’t changed,” Reynolds said, adding that Maguire’s leadership “has been better than ever”.
Paul Crawley said Brisbane’s injury toll is real, but he believes the issues go further.
“Something is not sitting well at that club,” he said.
