Broncos coach Michael Maguire has heaped praise on his squad’s “connection” delivering a hit-and-run masterclass ahead of a emergency charter flight back to Queensland.
Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
Brisbane left Allianz Stadium with a 50-14 with over the Roosters, getting on a plane back to Toowoomba Airport with Brisbane Airport is closed due to the threat of Cyclone Alfred.
Broncos players will then get a bus back to their Red Hill base, returning home with an impressive victory in the face of adversity.
“It says a lot about the players, since arriving at the club I’ve seen there is a strong connection between the players,” Maguire said.
“And they’ve experienced plenty, for myself to be able to come into a group that’s been together for a while and you know, gone through challenging times.
“To put their heads down and work really hard, it just says a lot about the group and what they’re willing to do for each other. That’s something I’ve learnt.
Hunt marks homecoming with circus try | 00:53
“You have got to start fast in any game, we’re at the top level here… and there was a fair arm wrestle at the start of the game.
“We had to get stuck in and grind away at things, that’s something as a group we can improve on and we will talk about that.”
Skipper Adam Reynolds also sent a message to those in southern Queensland and northern NSW who are expected to be hit by Cyclone Alfred.
“It’s sort of the unknown, I don’t think too many people have been through a cyclone,” Reynolds said.
“It’d about getting home as soon as possible and being with our loved ones, and making sure we’re all okay. We’re thinking of everyone that is going to be affected through the cyclone.
“It’s not something we want to go through, but it’s important to bunker down and make sure everyone is okay and check in on everyone.”
Meanwhile, Maguire was asked what stood out to him in his first game as Broncos head coach, having signed following the sacking of Kevin Walters after the 2024 season.
‘Set the tone’ – Madge’s perfect start | 04:20
MORE NRL NEWS
Q&A: ‘Here we go again’ — Maguire fires back at ‘bulls***’ Broncos claim
TEAMS TALKING PTS: Stunning contract twists as boom Dragon arrives
LATE MAIL: Cyclone chaos as up to five Dolphins to miss Bunnies game
‘MAJOR CONCERNS’: Wives ‘filthy’ as Dolphins make hotel offer to families
“Just how hard they worked for each other, there were times there when they were really under the pump,” Maguire said.
“Just the energy, the effort the players put in for each other, that was something I felt was a highlight. They just wanted to work for each other.”
Ben Hunt’s return appearance for the Broncos also went smoothly, with the gun No.6 scoring an impressive try and showing his combination with Reynolds is already firing.
“It was good, everything I thought it would be. He’s a competitor, he’s worked extremely hard on his craft and that combination down the left,” Reynolds said of his new halves partner.
“It’s only going to get better, we’ve only had what a month together if that, so it is exciting and looking forward to building on that combination.”
Discussion about this post