Broncos veteran Martin Taupau has reportedly sent the Red Hill club into “meltdown” after liking a social media post criticising Michael Maguire’s style of coaching.
Former Tigers forward Elijah Taylor was asked by fans why Brisbane could be struggling for form, delivering a criticism of Maguire’s coaching on Instagram.
The post included three reasons why the Broncos weren’t delivering despite having a host of multimillion dollar stars, whilst also touching on Maguire’s “intensity”.
FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >
Taupau liked Taylor’s post in a telling sign he agrees with the former NRL star’s opinion.
“A lot of people are asking me what’s wrong with ‘Madge’ (Maguire), what’s wrong with the Broncos,” Taylor said on the Footy Hacks Instagram account.
“One, his intensity. I’ve never seen a coach ride the game so hard.
“After a win, the world is a better place. After a loss, you’re off to a funeral and someone will be getting cooked at the video session.
“Two, training methods. Ninety-five per cent of the time on the field it’s full contact. The hardest pre-season I have ever done is with Michael Maguire.
“You haven’t done an NRL pre-season until you have done a Michael Maguire pre-season.
“Three, time efficiency. Let’s have a meeting for a meeting for a meeting. I’d get home from training and the kids don’t know who I am anymore. Hardly home.”
According to Code Sports, Taupau felt the full effects of Maguire’s brutal pre-season, collapsing during running on the first day in November.
Taylor also highlighted that he often felt “sore” while running out to play an 80 minute game, saying: “If Madge can clean that up, I’m sure he can turn the Broncos season around.”
Kernick stars! NSW reclaim Origin shield | 02:18
MORE NRL NEWS
CRAWLEY: DCE conspiracy theory behind Gus’ stunning swipe at Robbo and Roosters
EXTRA TIME: Daley asked around about star… and what he heard means a shock snub
FURNACE: Besieged coach’s almighty spray as heat builds; ‘strange’ halves sacking
However, according to rugby league reporter Ben Dobbin, the damage has already been done by Taupau, with the club “absolutely filthy” and going into “meltdown”.
“They are extremely disappointed, they hate to be put into this situation and they’re trying to change the culture,” Dobbin said on Triple M’s Thursday Scrum.
“They will be meeting with the player in the coming days and there will be ramifications. They are absolutely furious about the fact he’s liked this. The senior playing group are unhappy.”
Brisbane superstar Payne Haas, meanwhile, put to bed suggestions Maguire had lost the playing group when fronting media on Thursday.
“That’s a bit of bollocks,” Haas said.
“We’ve got his back. Everyone’s got high belief in this group and what he does. We support him 100 per cent.”
Taupau is without a contract for the 2026 season, alongside 13 of his teammates who come off contract at the end of the 2025 campaign.
