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Michael Maguire divides Brisbane Broncos fans as signing of key player sparks debate

Some have questioned the decision amid a re-signing spree at the NRL club.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

Brisbane Broncos fans are questioning the wisdom of re-signing veteran forward Martin Taupau, as new coach Michael Maguire continued somewhat of a retention drive on Monday. With Reece Walsh's $5 million extension confirmed and young gun Xavier Willison also re-signing this week, the Broncos continued the trend by bringing Taupau back on a new one-year deal for 2025.

The former New Zealand international only played 13 games under former coach Kevin Walters in 2024, averaging 86 running metres per game. But the 34-year-old had a strong finish to the season after winning a recall to first grade.

Michael Maguire alongside Payne Haas and Martin Taupau.
Michael Maguire (L) has divided Broncos fans by re-signing Martin Taupau (R). Image: AAP

“Having an extended contract at this stage of my career means a lot to me," he said on Monday. “This contract is more than just another season. Personally, it represents the trust that my team and fans have in me to continue contributing, both on and off the field.

“It’s also a chance for me to mentor younger players and pass on the lessons I’ve learned, hoping to inspire them the same way I was inspired when I first started. Being able to keep doing what I love at this level – it’s a real privilege, and I’m incredibly grateful.”

Martin Taupau, pictured here in action for the Broncos in 2024.
Martin Taupau in action for the Broncos in 2024. (Photo by Russell Freeman/Getty Images)

The Broncos lacked punch in the forwards in 2024 as they slumped to a 12th-placed finish and missed the finals. Outside of Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, the likes of Taupau, Jordan Riki and Prendan Piakura copped plenty of backlash from fans.

Taupau became a magnet for criticism early in the season, with fans believing he wasn't aiming up and giving the Broncos enough firepower in the middle. But Maguire clearly saw enough to believe the Kiwi has one more year of NRL left in his legs.

Martin Taupau alongside Michael Maguire at Brisbane Broncos training.
Michael Maguire put the Broncos through a gruelling training session on Monday. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Taupau previously played under Maguire when he was coach of New Zealand. “I’m genuinely excited about this new chapter under Madge," the veteran forward said. “His track record speaks volumes, and his commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with my personal values and our team’s goals.

“We understand that achieving success requires dedication and hard work, and we’re ready to tackle the challenges ahead. With Madge’s guidance, we’re confident in our ability to elevate our performance and make our fans proud.”

But the re-signing has heavily divided Broncos fans. While many pointed out that he finished the season strongly, others questioned whether the money could have been spent elsewhere.

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Maguire held his first training session on Monday, and Taupau might have been wishing he decided to retire instead. The veteran was among a number of players seen vomitting amid the gruelling session in the Brisbane heat.

The players were flogged in 30-plus-degree heat at the unorthodox time - for the Broncos at least - of 1.30pm. Maguire is clearly keen to set a high standard that was lacking in 2024 when the Broncos slipped from grand finalists in 2023 to missing the finals completely.

Maguire was impressed with the players' efforts in their first session on Monday and said Taupau would recover. "He was doing it a bit tough there, but he'll be fine. He was OK. They all had a red-hot crack. It was nice to see," the coach grinned.