Michael Maguire act singled out as turning point behind Broncos' NRL premiership revealed
A chastening moment for the Broncos proved the catalyst behind a stunning resurgence.
Broncos assistant Ben Te’o has hailed Michael Maguire’s response to a thumping defeat against Manly in May, describing it as the turning point in their season.
The 34-6 loss at 4 Pines Park was a low point for Brisbane, but it sparked the attitude shift that ultimately ended a 19-year premiership drought.
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The loss that changed everything
Despite a strong start to 2025, Brisbane stumbled through a mid-season slump, losing four straight games between rounds nine and 13.
Reports of player unrest over Maguire’s intense coaching style had surfaced earlier in the year, but Te’o revealed that the coach’s reaction to the Manly defeat showed a different side.
Instead of delivering one of his trademark sprays, Maguire chose a more relaxed approach - and it paid off.
“We went on the piss, that’s what happened,” Te’o admitted on the Inside Ball Podcast. “Rugby league’s always about mateship and pressure, and how you deal with it.”
He said the players regrouped at Manly’s famous Steyne Hotel, where the team bonded and released the tension that had been building for weeks.
“It took the pressure off, gave us a breather, and from then on we only lost two more games,” Te’o said.
Maguire’s crucial pivot
While the decision might have raised eyebrows, Te’o said it showed Maguire’s ability to adapt and trust his playing group.
“Having a drink together after a loss - I know a lot of people would say, ‘why would you do that?’” he said. “But that’s the best time. Go out, have a beer, forget about footy, and enjoy each other’s company.”
Maguire had pushed the squad hard in pre-season and early rounds, demanding an elite standard of discipline and fitness. But as the pressure mounted, the coach’s willingness to pivot his methods proved decisive.
“He went hard early, and when there was a bit of pushback, he pivoted with them,” Te’o explained. “That Manly game was a big moment. Leaving that stadium, we thought, ‘oh man, we’re in trouble.’”
From crisis to championship
What followed was one of the great turnarounds. The Broncos dropped only three games for the rest of the season and peaked in September to claim their long-awaited premiership.
The triumph capped off an incredible run for Maguire, who also guided New Zealand to Pacific Championships glory in 2023 and led the NSW Blues to a State of Origin victory in 2024.
His success with Brisbane only further cements his reputation as one of rugby league’s most adaptable and demanding modern coaches - one who knows when to push, and when to pull back.