The Broncos are preparing to extend Michael Maguire’s contract, despite a torrid title defence from Brisbane that had many expecting him to be sacked at season’s end.
Maguire, 52, has been under fire at Red Hill since he first took the job in 2024.
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He immediately proved any major doubters he had in Brisbane and across the wider NRL world wrong by guiding the star-studded Broncos to an unlikely NRL premiership title in his very first campaign.
But the wheels have come off somewhat in 2026, with the incredible 19-year title drought followed by what is looking like a finals-less season.
The Red Hill bosses don’t care though: They see Madge as the long-term coach.
Maguire is already contracted for 2027, and the Broncos will now look to keep him in the River City with a contract extension that will at least cover 2028 — and potentially longer if they want to really back their man.
Broncos chairman Karl Morris said Maguire was the best coach for the club. “I certainly see that [Maguire can be our long-term coach]” he said, pointing out Maguire had won a grand final last year.
“The season hasn’t gone as hoped due to the horrific injury toll… but we think ‘Madge’ is the coach to deliver us our next premiership.
“It’s about winning games and we think he is the best coach for the Broncos.”
This Sporting Base writer absolutely agrees; any vocal critics that were suggesting Madge should be sacked for the struggles that the Broncos have been going through doesn’t have a sight for the future.
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And, incredibly, the Broncos aren’t even out of the fight yet. It’s definitely worse than last year, but the team did come from nearly out to win the whole thing. With a 14–12 victory over the Panthers last Thursday, inspired by a classic Reece Walsh masterclass, they’re still in contention.
They do have to win every game now — but that’s not outside the realms of possibility for this championship squad at all.
That challenge continues Saturday, against rivals the Cowboys.
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