Maguire responds to claims of heated clash with Broncos great
Broncos coach Michael Maguire dismissed claims the team needs its own reserve grade side, after reports he was involved in a heated discussion with Souths Logan Magpies Queensland Cup coach Karmichael Hunt.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday morning, Maguire responded to reports that he and Hunt were involved in an argument over the weekend about how Billy Walters should have been used during a Queensland Cup match.
Maguire speaks to reporters on Wednesday. Brisbane Broncos
Walters has been named as the 20th man for this week’s NRL clash against Penrith, marking his return since rupturing his ACL late last season.
Hunt played down the interaction with Maguire, while the Broncos coach rejected suggestions the team needs its own Queensland Cup side, to avoid dealing with three different feeder clubs.
The Broncos send their second-tier players to Queensland Cup feeder clubs Burleigh Bears, Souths Logan Magpies and Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Maguire said he has no problem dealing with different coaches.
“I know you’re probably alluding to what was discussed yesterday but we work really well with the affiliate clubs,” Maguire told reporters.
“Having your own team is handy at times as well, but I’ve found the three coaches that I work with (are) exceptional.
“To be able to have that relationship with them about what you need to do with players is all in the best interests of your players.”
Hunt, Matthew Head (Wynnum) and Luke Burt (Burleigh) are the coaches Maguire deals with when assessing which players to elevate to the NRL team.
He said he supports the current system in place.
“It helps the players, being able to play together, but our model, as shown last year, works and whatever way they go, I’ll be happy with,” he said.
It’s understood Maguire and Hunt had opposing views on how Billy Walters should be deployed on the field during South Logan Magpies’ QCup match against the Brisbane Tigers.
Broncos great Karmichael Hunt. nna\cdesilva
Reports stated Maguire had a problem with Hunt playing Walters at five-eighth after an injury hit the Souths Logan team.
It’s understood Maguire exited his car and shouted to Hunt about the decision.
“They wanted Billy to play No.9 and then the halfback or fullback got injured and they moved him back (to the halves),” Gorden Tallis said on NRL 360.
“Madge was there and jumped out of his car. I think there were words, but (I’m not sure).”
The Broncos sit 14th on the NRL ladder and Maguire is feeling the heat as his side fights to play finals, a year after winning the premiership.
