“I don’t think Madge is better than Kev!”
Fox Sports’ NRL 360 panel took no time at all to start discussing Michael Maguire’s move to Brisbane Broncos. Most of the panellists were optimistic about the move. However, the “Raging Bull,” Gorden Tallis, said he was underwhelmed by the move.
“I don’t think Madge (Michael Maguire) is better than (Kevin Walters),” Tallis said during the panel discussion.
Host Braith Anasta and journalist Brent Read were quick to put up a strong defence for Maguire after Tallis’ criticism.
“He had a final in 2012 and they won in 2014, so by the third year he won a Premiership,” Anasta said of Maguire’s times at Souths.
“That was a long time ago,” Tallis chipped in before Read started his defence of Maguire.
“He won against Australia, he won an Origin series for New South Wales,” he said.
“Michael Maguire has a better record than Kevin Walters. History would suggest the last time he coached a club he won a premiership (Souths). And you would argue this Broncos roster is closer to Souths than the Tigers. They’re in the prime of their lives,” Read continued.
“Lose my number”
Tallis wasn’t convinced by either Read or Anasta’s arguments. He specifically dismissed Read pointing out Maguire’s Origin wins.
“If that’s your theory then Mal Meninga coaches because he won eight (Origins),” Tallis said.
The “Raging Bull” then unleashed his fury on Brisbane Broncos higher ups. The club finished 12th in the 2024 NRL ladder, despite being betting sites favourites to make the finals.
Even though they had a bad season, Tallis says the club have overreacted by sacking Walters, similarly to how they let Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold go.
“The people who are running the club (said) Wayne Bennett wasn’t good enough. He was good enough for Souths and to build a new club and Peter V’landys wanted him to build a club,” Tallis said.
“Seibold who has done a great job at Manly, he wasn’t good enough. Kevvie wasn’t good enough. They keep on moving on coaches. The club’s not going to move forward.”
When asked if he would be willing to help Maguire move Broncos forward, Tallis responded “Lose my number brother.”
We are months away from the start of the 2025 NRL season, but Tallis’ comments make it clear that the pressure is already on Michael Maguire. If he doesn’t get his Broncos side to the finals next year, it’ll be hard to see Broncos sticking with him.
