- Brisbane take on Melbourne in 2025 NRL Grand Final
- Matt Ballin is on the Broncos’ coaching staff
- ‘Madge’ chasing a title in his first year with Brisbane
Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin has revealed why Michael Maguire’s hard-nosed style has paid off handsomely this season – and how his team plan to contain the Melbourne Storm in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.
Ballin spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail ahead of the decider at Accor Stadium in Sydney, and confirmed Brisbane’s preparation this week couldn’t have been better.
Maguire – who appeared to be on the coaching scrapheap after being sacked by the Wests Tigers in 2022 – has been front and centre when it comes to Brisbane’s impressive revival.
Under Kevin Walters last season, they finished in 12th spot – unacceptable for a club their size.
Club favourite Walters was shown the door, and the Brisbane old boys – led by Gorden Tallis – loudly questioned the appointment of ‘Madge.’
Despite his detractors, Maguire – who resurrected his coaching career with New Zealand and the NSW Blues last year at Origin level – maintained a dignified silence.
Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin has revealed why Michael Maguire’s hard-nosed style has paid off handsomely this season as they prepare for the NRL Grand Final
Ballin won two NRL premierships with Manly – now he is eyeing off another triumph on the coaching staff at Brisbane
Maguire has had his critics at Red Hill – but ending Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought would give him the last laugh
Maguire knew he would ultimately be judged on results, so the first task was to toughen up his playing group, who were previously accused of having a soft underbelly.
The suspension of Ezra Mam for drug driving plus Adam Reynolds’ repeated hamstring concerns would have been a setback for many coaches, but Maguire isn’t one to make excuses.
It was about peaking for the NRL finals, with a top four finish vital.
That was achieved with a win over Melbourne in round 27 at Suncorp Stadium – and it didn’t shock Ballin.
‘From day one (in pre-season) it was obvious what was required,’ he said.
‘Madge is upfront and honest, he wants the best for everyone.
‘The playing group is fit and strong…it is no coincidence we are still in a position to win the competition this year.’
Ballin added starting well against Melbourne is crucial – and doesn’t expect the playing group to be overawed in front of more than 80,000 fans.
‘Plenty were hurting after losing in 2023 (against Penrith), but that experience has been crucial this week,’ he said.
‘They know what to expect…now just they need to perform under pressure.’
After winning premierships rings with Manly in 2008 and 2011, being in the coaches box in recent years has been an experience for Ballin.
‘The biggest difference is that you can’t be out there looking to execute what you did at training,’ he said.
‘I’m confident we can get the result, we have shown a few times this year we are never beaten.’
Kick-off is 7.30pm AEDT on Sunday night, with Brisbane looking to win their first title since 2006.
