EXCLUSIVE: Darren Lockyer weighs in on Broncos mess as Marty Taupau axing turns spotlight on Madge

Brisbane legend Darren Lockyer has urged Broncos players to get on board with new coach Michael Maguire's regime as veteran forward Marty Taupau faces being axed by the club.

Taupau drew the ire of Broncos hierarchy last week when he "liked" a post from former NRL player Elijah Taylor which was highly critical of Maguire.

READ MORE: Gallen taunts SBW, snubs own press conference

READ MORE: Leniu and Latrell media bans slammed

READ MORE: Fake post forces axed Doohan to make public plea

Taylor - who played under Maguire at the Wests Tigers briefly - detailed the brutal nature of Maguire's demands on his players.

Maguire took South Sydney to an NRL premiership in 2014 and also guided New Zealand to a stunning 30-0 victory over Australia in the 2023 Pacific Championships.

Last year he coached New South Wales to a State of Origin victory, ultimately leading him to Red Hill where he replaced the sacked Kevin Walters as Broncos coach.

He has found success throughout his coaching career but his approach has left many players burnt out. His latest pre-season reportedly left Taupau vomiting as a result of physical exertion.

Reports over the weekend claim Taupau has already parted ways with the Broncos after senior players and club management were fuming over his social media act.

"It's been dealt with," club director Lockyer told Wide World of Sports' QLDER on Monday.

"Madge doesn't make any excuses for the fact he likes to come in and get players to work hard. It was a tough off-season.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

"But he also reminds everyone Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers won (premierships) off the back of hard work, so you need it, you have to do it.

"You've got to sacrifice to be successful.

"It was unfortunate for Marty. Social media can be dangerous at times."

Taupau on Monday put a sponsored post on his Instagram account with a caption that in part read, "setbacks don't define you, your response does!".

A comment from North Queensland veteran Jason Taumalolo on that post read, "Don't worry uso they're having another meeting now after that performance".

Taumalolo's dig was at Brisbane following a shock 30-26 loss to the Dragons on Sunday.

The Broncos sit ninth on the NRL ladder with just five wins from 11 games after being touted as a genuine premiership contender early in the year.

The club has not won a premiership since 2006, having lost the 2015 and 2023 grand finals in epics against the Cowboys and Panthers respectively.

Lockyer believes his Broncos have what it takes to contend for a title this year, but admits things need to change quickly.

"I think everyone at the club felt like that was a must-win game, and 26 points is enough to win a footy game," he said of Sunday's loss.

"When Madge (Maguire) has a focus on defence and we let in 30, that is disappointing.

"There is obviously some work to be done. We have seen what they're capable of, and they can be a top-four team if they can get the consistency required... that is the frustrating part."

The Broncos are one of seven teams to have a bye this week.