Broncos Boss Fires Back: Maguire Defends Players After Pre-Game Laughter Sparks Outrage
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has fiercely defended his team following backlash over pre-game locker room footage that surfaced before their recent loss to the Sydney Roosters. The video, aired by Fox Sports, showed several Broncos players sharing a laugh moments before kick-off, sparking criticism from NRL greats Cooper Cronk and Darren Lockyer.
Cronk questioned the team’s mindset, suggesting the players were not mentally prepared for the match. He hinted that the casual atmosphere in the dressing room could reflect a lack of intensity, stating, “It doesn’t tell you the full story, but it gives you a snippet of the mindset.” He went on to say the Broncos seemed unfocused and even accused some players of trying to take “shortcuts” during the game.
Lockyer, a Broncos legend himself, expressed a more measured view but admitted it was “a bit odd” to see the players laughing before such a critical game. Speaking on Channel 9’s QLDER, Lockyer said the scene raised questions about the team’s pre-game approach, even if it wasn’t definitive proof of complacency.
However, Maguire wasn’t having it. The Broncos coach pushed back hard against the critics, arguing that the brief moment captured on camera didn’t accurately represent the team’s mindset or professionalism. “That’s not representative at all of this group,” Maguire said. “People have to remember the cameras captured just a few seconds before the game. That’s not the whole picture.”
He emphasized that the team is committed, professional, and eager to improve. “These men care about this organisation. Yes, we got it wrong last Friday, but that’s not to say they weren’t dialled in or ready.”
Maguire acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the Broncos but insisted his players are buying into the culture and working hard. “The challenge in the NRL is turning up every week. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to,” he concluded.
