Brisbane Broncos NRL coach Michael Maguire bans players like Reece Walsh training topless
Michael Maguire is well-known for his hard-nosed approach to coaching, but how the younger stars at Brisbane respond to his latest edict will be telling.
Madge has banned the six-pack — not six beers, but players training shirtless.
Under the Kevin Walters regime, players regularly got their gear off at the smallest glimmer of sunshine, none moreso than Reece Walsh.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But the sun has set on Walsh strutting his stuff for teammates and fans.
Maguire says the edict to always be properly dressed is about having a professional mindset as the club looks to rebound from its horrid 2024 season after playing in the 2023 grand final.
“It’s about creating the environment that we’re in,” Maguire told the Courier Mail.
“I want a high standard, and it’s important they help drive and create it themselves.
“That’s part of success. How you’re turning up is very important.
“That’s the professional part of being a rugby league player at this level.
“If the guys do that well, you’re going to get a pretty good output with the people that we have.”
Walsh had a disappointing 2024 season after blazing through the 2023 season.
The star never really recovered after being knocked out cold minutes into the opening Origin match and was seen arguing with teammates on the field as the Broncos’ season imploded late in the year.
“I’m not going to judge anyone,” Maguire said.
“I haven’t seen that side (rock star) of things with the players.
“What I will say is perceptions are built, but you can change perceptions with what you do. What we get to build now is where we want to take the club and how we want to shape the club.
“I know they all care because I’ve had conversations with them and they all care very deeply for the Broncos.
“Already in pre-season, I’ve seen the players buy-in and have a crack. They’re very hungry.
“So the opportunities for success will be in front of them if they’re prepared to do the work as a team.
“It’s on everyone at this club. There’s a lot of good men here but we have to back it up. When things are wrong, we need to pull people up.”
