'We're hurting': Michael Maguire laments 'frustrating' collapse as pressure mounts on Broncos

The pressure is well and truly on Michael Maguire after the Broncos suffered a third-straight loss on Sunday afternoon.

Brisbane were red-hot favourites to bounce back to form at Suncorp Stadium against a Dragons side that have been struggling in recent weeks.

The hosts took an early lead as Ezra Mam's return paid dividends, but things started to fall apart in the second half as St George Illawarra ran in four tries - two of which came while Jaydn Su'A was in the sin bin for a professional foul - to claim a 30-26 win.

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Maguire cut a dejected figure alongside captain Adam Reynolds in the post-game press conference after another disappointing performance from the star-studded outfit.

"It's obviously frustrating and we're hurting around that," Maguire said.

"We're a bit like a Jekyll and Hyde team; we show some great stuff and then go the other way … We just need to find some consistency. No one is [happy].

"I do [have thoughts] and I will keep those with myself and the team. They're things that we need to show by what we do, and at this present moment, we're not doing it.

"One thing I do know about the competition is that there's a long way to go. We'll have a break now and have a good look at where we're at."

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Reynolds said the second-half collapse came down to "concentration" and brushed off suggestions that the Broncos playing group were worn down by some of Maguire's well-documented training methods at Red Hill.

The coach was also quizzed about the recent drama involving Martin Taupau, who is set to be sacked for liking an Instagram post criticising Maguire.

"This club has plenty of those things going on, so being able to handle those things plays a part," Maguire said.

"We've also got a job to do and that's one thing the players are very aware of.

"The first half we showed really good signs and even at the back-end of the game."

Taupau has only played one game this year and will likely move clubs immediately.

While the result didn't go their way, the one positive for the Broncos was the return of Mam, who starred with one try and three try assists in a losing effort.

"I thought Ezra came in and did a great job for us," Maguire said.

"He's a bit of a shining light among something that's disappointing. He's worked really hard to get into that position. He came up with a couple of try assists.

"That combination will grow again with Reyno." 

Brisbane will have a bye next weekend before taking on the Sea Eagles in round 13.