- Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan live on the Gold Coast
- Understood Broncos wants players based in Brisbane
- Would offer ‘connectivity’ for the playing group
Broncos officials have internally raised concerns about a number of their stars residing on the Gold Coast glitter strip.
The club’s high-performance staff believe the regular 160km round trips from Red Hill in Brisbane to Australia’s most infamous party hub could take the edge off the team’s performance.
Players who call the Gold Coast home include vice-captain Pat Carrigan, superstar fullback Reece Walsh and winger Jesse Arthars.
Broncos great Corey Parker doesn’t believe living on the Glitter Strip is fraught with danger for new coach Michael Maguire’s men.
‘My personal view is live wherever you want, who cares?’ Parker told News Corp.
‘Why would it matter? If it’s impacting the team, then you might have to look at it.
‘You [just] have to make sure you are performing and doing your job as a professional athlete.
‘I don’t see why it should be an issue.’
Broncos officials have internally raised concerns about a number of their stars – like Reece Walsh (pictured right with teammate Ezra Mam) commuting from the Gold Coast for training
Vice-captain Pat Carrigan (pictured with Reece Walsh’s daughter) is another Broncos player who calls the Gold Coast home
Broncos great Corey Parker (pictured with wife Margaux) doesn’t believe living on the Glitter Strip is fraught with danger
Since replacing Kevin Walters in late September, Maguire has stressed that connectivity is key – and pointed to rivals Penrith as the blueprint to follow.
With five-eighth Ezra Mam facing an uncertain future as he continues a stint in rehab, Maguire admitted the club would love Ben Hunt on their books.
‘Ben is a world-class player and has plenty of experience,’ he said.
‘We all know what he is capable of and what he would bring to the place.
‘We will let him go through the Australian space this week [ahead of the Pacific Championship final against Tonga], and after that he will probably sit down and work out what he wants to do.
‘But someone of Ben’s calibre coming to the team would definitely be great.’
Maguire is already setting the tone in pre-season, conducting fitness sessions in the Brisbane heat in a deliberate ploy to make the playing group realise the lofty standards he holds.
