Broncos in Crisis: Fittler and Thurston Slam ‘Broken’ Team After Stunning Souths Collapse

Brisbane’s recent form slump has sparked fierce criticism from NRL legends, with Brad Fittler identifying a glaring issue in the Broncos’ latest collapse against South Sydney. The Broncos held a commanding 14-0 lead at halftime, only to concede 22 unanswered points and suffer another demoralising loss — their fourth in five games — intensifying the pressure on coach Michael Maguire.

Fittler, speaking on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, pointed out a concerning lack of support play in Brisbane’s attack, despite the side dominating key statistics. “They had more linebreaks, they had more tackle busts. They had the better of the game, no doubt,” Fittler observed. “But every time someone broke the line, there was no one backing them up. No urgency. No support. That’s not how cohesive teams play.”

Highlighting moments where players like Payne Haas and Deine Mariner made clean breaks with little to no support, Fittler said the lack of follow-through illustrated a deeper issue with the Broncos’ chemistry and commitment. “If you watch their early-season games, someone would break through and you’d see five or six jerseys pushing up. That just isn’t there anymore.”

Adding to the critique, fellow league great Johnathan Thurston and former coach Kevin Walters also expressed frustration with the team’s body language and attitude. Thurston, speaking on Nine’s coverage, said the supposed “hard edge” Maguire was meant to instil has been nowhere to be seen, particularly during their repeated second-half fadeouts. Walters, meanwhile, admitted that “something isn’t quite right” within the squad.

Maguire, brought in to reset the Broncos’ culture after replacing Walters as head coach, now faces growing scrutiny as Brisbane continues to underperform despite a talented roster. Once considered premiership contenders, the Broncos are now being called out not just for results, but for a worrying lack of cohesion, effort, and on-field unity.