Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire confirms Martin Taupau's early release is in the works after Instagram act
Michael Maguire has confirmed Brisbane Broncos star Martin Taupau will be given an early release from his contract, just days after he liked a video criticising his coach.
The 35-year-old has officially played his final game for the Broncos and is set to depart the club with immediate effect in the coming days.
Officials details on his release from the final months of his one-year deal have yet to be finalised by the club, although Maguire has confirmed his player will be leaving.
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The former NSW Blues coach did not provide immense detail on the situation out of respect for Taupau and others at the club.
"The club is still working through [Taupau's release] so I won't make too many comments," Maguire told media on Saturday.
Martin Taupau of the Broncos. Getty
"I want everyone that is at the club or moves from the club at some stage to prosper on the back of what they do.
"[Taupau leaving] will be sorted out as we move forward, but the club is still working through a few things. I will let that play out."
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Taupau recently liked an Instagram video post by Elijah Taylor, who played under Maguire at the Wests Tigers in 2019 and 2020, which outlined what Maguire is like as a coach.
Talks of players being disgruntled by Maguire's operations have been circling since his arrival at the club and have now escalated due to Taupau's endorsement.
Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds admitted on Triple M that Taupau's act was "not a good look" for the club or the veteran prop.
Martin Taupau and Michael Maguire pictured after a New Zealand Test match in 2018. Getty
However, Maguire denied to comment any further on the incident.
"I don't want to comment on that," he said when asked about Taupau's act.
"It's known where it's at, but it's a matter for how the club deals with it now.
"It's an organisational decision around how we have gone about it."
