EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould's ultimatum to Broncos as suspense builds ahead of Michael Maguire's tenure
Phil Gould believes the fate of the Broncos lies in the players' ability to adapt to coach Michael Maguire as the club embarks on a new era.
Maguire replaced Broncos icon Kevin Walters in the and has been backed to return the club to finals football.
Walters' dismissal came after a 12th-placed finish despite making the grand final the year before, falling to the Panthers in 15 minutes of heartbreak.
READ MORE: Raiders front up after Vegas hotel fight
READ MORE: 'Doesn't make sense': Eels torn up after agent's email leak
READ MORE: Brutal USA promo mocks Matildas on TV broadcast
Gould believes there was a "reliance on talent" instead of improving the system last year.
"Talent got them to a grand final the previous year but the lack of a system meant they fell apart under pressure in 2024," he said on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast.
Gould went on to state Maguire is "all about the system".
Adam Reynolds will captain the Broncos again this season. Getty
However, the biggest watch from Maguire's tenure will be how the Broncos squad responds to his coaching philosophy.
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Gould explained if everything clicks, the Broncos are a big chance of spoiling Penrith's golden run.
"They can win the comp, but we thought that last year," he said.
"I think Michael Maguire will make them or break them, put it that way. Those that go with him and come out the other side are going to be better for it.
"They may as well get on board. If they get on board they can win a comp."
Brisbane started the year well by winning the pre-season challenge, however they achieved the same result under Walters in 2024.
Their first match of the season proper will be against the Roosters on March 6.
