Michael Maguire has conceded Brisbane’s premiership defence is effectively over after the Broncos suffered a crushing 18-10 derby loss to the North Queensland Cowboys. While the coach refused to wave the white flag, he admitted missed opportunities had once again cost his side in a season that is now hanging by a thread.
The defeat leaves the reigning premiers on the brink of becoming the first defending NRL champions in 20 years to miss the finals, with Brisbane now needing a remarkable finish to keep their slim top-eight hopes alive.
Maguire Laments Missed Chances
Speaking after the loss in Townsville, Maguire pointed to Brisbane’s inability to capitalise on attacking opportunities as the decisive factor.
“In the first half we put ourselves across the line two or three times and we weren’t able to capitalise and unfortunately those things come back and catch you later in the game,” Maguire said.
Despite crossing the try line on multiple occasions, the Broncos were repeatedly denied by errors and desperate Cowboys defence before North Queensland took control of the contest.
Premiers on the Brink
The loss leaves Brisbane’s finals hopes all but extinguished just 12 months after lifting the premiership trophy.
The Broncos have now struggled for consistency throughout 2026 and are poised to become the first reigning premiers since the 2005 Wests Tigers to miss the finals the following season.
While acknowledging the reality of the situation, Maguire insisted his side would continue fighting through the final weeks of the season.
“The players and staff have worked hard to give us the opportunity. You look back and reflect on what could have been, but at the end of the day we are where we are,” he said.
Plenty Still to Play For
Although Brisbane’s finals hopes are fading, Maguire stressed there is still plenty of motivation for the remainder of the campaign.
Several senior players are set to leave the club at season’s end, and the coach believes finishing strongly remains important for both the departing stars and the club’s future.
The Broncos also face the challenge of restoring confidence after scoring fewer than 20 points in five consecutive matches, a statistic that has played a major role in their dramatic fall from premiers to finals outsiders.
Cowboys Keep Finals Dream Alive
While Brisbane’s season continues to unravel, the Cowboys strengthened their own finals credentials with an impressive derby victory.
Despite missing injured captain Tom Dearden, North Queensland controlled the contest through standout performances from Jake Clifford, Jaxon Purdue, Reuben Cotter and Jason Taumalolo to remain firmly in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
For Maguire and the Broncos, however, attention now turns to salvaging pride over the closing rounds as one of the most disappointing premiership defences in recent memory nears its end.
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