Michael Maguire is looming as the Broncos’ next head coach, and league legend Matty Johns has delivered a bold prediction, claiming a premiership is on the horizon in Red Hill.
Kevin Walters parted ways with the Brisbane club on Thursday, having overseen a grand final appearance in 2023 before the club’s disappointing season in 2024, finishing 12th.
Maguire has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner for the vacant role and is willing to resign as NSW Blues coach to take up a job in clubland.
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“That is ridiculous, it’s a semi-final” | 01:01
Brad Arthur, Jason Demetriou, Josh Hannay and Trent Barrett area also reportedly being considered, but Johns urged Brisbane powerbrokers to give Maguire the keys.
He believes the former Rabbitohs and Tigers coach could deliver the Broncos a premiership within three years.
“Madge is a better coach now to when he took Souths to that premiership, he’s a better coach,” Johns said on the Matty Johns show.
“I spoke to him before, he said ‘I learnt that much (at the Tigers)’. The things he learnt, and when you look back in hindsight he was actually doing a pretty good job.
“What he did in New Zealand, a revelation. New Zealand 30, Australia nil. Then went to Origin and we are one nil down in the series and win two-one.
“I tell you mate, if Madge gets the job and takes it. If the Broncos players buy in I think they will win a comp within three years.”
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Meanwhile, league icon Bryan Fletcher added: “It’s a roster you’d want to take as a head coach, you’ve got everything up there… I think that club or first grade squad needs someone like Madge, a hard nose”.
However, Maguire’s appointment has been met with opposition from Broncos legends and Queenslanders alike, with former Broncos enforcer Shane Webcke blowing up.
“Mate, he coaches New South Wales! Spare me that,” Webcke said on SENQ.
“I’ve got nothing against him, but did we get rid of Kevvie Walters for that? I don’t think so.”
Fletcher also suggested Queensland legend Gorden Tallis wasn’t pleased with the looming appointment, but explained Maguire is the best man for the job.
“I know there’s a few ex-players, who are not happy, I know Shane Webcke came out saying they are not happy,” Fletcher said.
“He’s not going to go up there and sabotage him. He’s the best candidate, If I’m a Broncos player, I’d be very nervous because you’re going to have a tough off-season.
“If I’m a Broncos supporter I would want Madge to be coach of my team.”
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Maguire himself spoke to Johns on the Backstage podcast, making it clear he’s preparing to make a return to clubland.
His last stint in the NRL was a tumultuous one, eventually being sacked by the Tigers after leading the way between 2019 and 2022.
However, he’s a proven premiership-winner and lifted the trophy during his time at the Rabbitohs before winning an Origin series in 2024.
“Definitely Matty, I’m ready to win another competition,” Maguire said.
“I’ve obviously seen what it looks like when a club’s up and running, I’ve also seen the other end and I’m well versed to look at a club now and say ‘I believe that one is ready to go’.
“If I jump in again, when I jump in again, mate I’m going to believe that that club can win.”
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