Broncos forward Martin Taupau has publicly apologised to Michael Maguire and the club’s leadership group after endorsing a social media post criticising the coach’s intense training style.
But it might have come too late, as the veteran prop is now facing the prospect of having played his final game in Broncos colours.
Taupau drew backlash from teammates and staff after liking a post by former Wests Tigers player Elijah Taylor, who labelled Maguire’s training methods physically draining and emotionally excessive.
The post, made on Instagram, claimed Maguire’s approach left players exhausted before games and disrupted home life.
Taylor, who played under Maguire at the Tigers, opened up on the hardline training regimes that the coach brought to their preparation for games.
‘Two, training methods. 95 per cent of the time on the field it’s full contact … and the hardest pre-season I ever did was with Michael Maguire,’ he said.
Broncos forward Martin Taupau (pictured with wife Michell) has issued a public apology after liking a social media post criticising Michael Maguire’s coaching style
Elijah Taylor played under Maguire at Wests Tigers and said the sessions were long and gruelling, keeping players away from their families
Maguire is under pressure at the Broncos after an indifferent start to the season with five wins and five losses
‘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. [I was] hardly home.’
The criticism came amid pressure on Maguire following Brisbane’s poor form, with four losses in their past five matches.
Taylor said Maguire’s sessions were mostly full contact and described his pre-season as the ‘hardest ever’ in his career.
He added that game-day fatigue was common and called for the coach to rethink his methods to turn the Broncos’ season around.
Taupau’s endorsement of the post reportedly went down poorly with senior players.
He responded by posting a public apology on Thursday night.
‘Today I liked a video by Elijah Taylor talking about Michael Maguire’s coaching methods,’ Taupau wrote.
The public apology that Taupau posted may not be enough to save his NRL career at the club
‘I regret this as it was not my intention to endorse the video. I removed the like immediately after.’
He went on to praise Maguire, saying, ‘I am thoroughly enjoying being coached by Michael Maguire and will continue to do whatever I can to help the Broncos win a premiership in 2025.’
Despite the apology, Taupau has been summoned to front the club’s senior leadership group, including Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, Ben Hunt and Kotoni Staggs.
The group will decide if further action is required ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Dragons.
While sacking him is seen as unlikely, Taupau is off-contract at the end of 2025 and will not be offered a new deal.
That decision appears to have been made before this incident, with sources suggesting the club is pursuing full cultural buy-in under Maguire’s leadership.
The 35-year-old joined the Broncos from Manly in 2023 and has played 33 games for the club.
This year, he has featured just once, coming off the bench in a round 6 loss to the Roosters.
While Taupau is not likely to be sacked, he is off contract at the Broncos and has only featured once this season
He reportedly struggled with the pre-season intensity, nearly collapsing during running drills in 30-degree heat on the first day under Maguire.
Brisbane insiders say the mood has shifted, with concerns about being ‘over-trained’ contributing to inconsistent performances.
Maguire, who won a premiership with South Sydney in 2014, has long been known for his rigorous style.
His time at Souths and later at the Wests Tigers ended amid reports of player burnout and internal tension.
Players like Chris Grevsmuhl and Elijah Taylor have previously spoken out about Maguire’s extreme standards.
Still, Maguire has his supporters within the Broncos squad.
Payne Haas, who played under Maguire in State of Origin, rubbished suggestions the coach had lost the dressing room.
‘I think it’s bollocks,’ Haas said bluntly when asked about a possible revolt.
‘We have got his back. Everyone has got belief in this group and what he does with us.’
‘We support him 100 per cent.’
Maguire recently took players on a Sydney Harbour cruise as a bonding session, a move that also drew criticism.
Laurie Daley defended the decision, saying it was simply a connection exercise with no alcohol involved.
