Madge reveals Walsh conversation after superstar’s inflammatory act
Broncos coach Michael Maguire spoke to Reece Walsh on Wednesday morning about the superstar fullback “liking” an Instagram post that was critical of Brisbane’s handling of Adam Reynolds′ retirement.
In his captain’s run press conference later on Wednesday morning, Maguire said to “ask them”, referring to his players, when prodded on whether he still had the support of his squad.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire speaking to media on Wednesday. Nine
Maguire was bombarded with questions about the non-selection of Reynolds for a farewell game against the Storm as he spoke to media at Broncos headquarters.
On Monday, Reynolds said he wanted to have a Suncorp swansong against the Storm on Thursday night and felt he was fit to play, but was overruled by Maguire and the club’s medical team.
Reynolds then performed what many perceived to be a baffling backflip on Tuesday, when he fronted media at Broncos headquarters and said it was actually his decision to not play.
In an 11-minute grilling at the club’s Red Hill base on Wednesday, it was put to Maguire that Marty Taupau was sacked for “liking” a post that was critical of the coach.
In light of that, Maguire was pressed on the Instagram activity of Walsh, who “liked” a Fox Sports post that was critical of how Brisbane had managed the Reynolds situation.
The Walsh “like” is now deleted.
“I spoke to Reece this morning. We went through it. Two different scenarios [the Walsh and Taupau situations],” Maguire said.
“I understand that there’s a ‘like’ there on social media, but we’ve had that conversation and he realises that social media moves very quickly.
“Different circumstances, same sort of incident as you’re discussing, but different.
“I’m not going to go into that [the conversation with Walsh]. I’m talking about now; not what’s happened in the past. We move forward now. Reece and I have had that conversation.”
Maguire was asked if Walsh’s “like” reflected the broader feelings of the playing group about the Reynolds scenario.
“Everyone’s got emotion around these scenarios, but no, we’re very transparent,” he replied.
“Straight away, Reece and I spoke. He loves Reyno; we all do. We literally all do.
“When you’re moving through moments in time, things like that unfortunately happen.”
From left: Patrick Carrigan, Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh celebrates the Broncos’ 2025 NRL premiership win. NRL Imagery
Maguire was asked if he still had the backing of his players. He shot back a terse reply.
“Well, you ask them!” the 52-year-old said.
“Mate, I love coaching this team, and they know that.”
Does Maguire believe he has the support of the playing group?
“Yeah,” he said.
“I mean, I don’t really have to stand here and say that. I know what I’ve got with the group.
“You’ve got to remember, it was 12 months ago when we stood and won the comp.”
The Reynolds drama deepened when Broncos veteran Ben Hunt spoke on 4BC radio on Tuesday.
“We’re all pretty shocked, to be fair,” Hunt said.
“We knew how hard he’s been pushing the last few weeks ... Seeing him get through that full session, we thought for sure he was going to get another run.
“He’s obviously disappointed. We thought he deserved that send-off ... but obviously, they’ve all made that decision between them ... We’re pretty disappointed that he’s not going be out there.”
Panthers great Greg Alexander weighed in on SEN radio on Wednesday, saying the Broncos had “botched this completely”.
“The stories written and comments made were justified,” Alexander added.
“Reynolds didn’t shut it down. He didn’t come out and say, ‘We decided I wouldn’t get through the game so we decided I wouldn’t play’.
“Has he been living under a rock? Why did he not shut it down? He’s opened the door for a pile-on.
“I have got no idea what is going on up there.”
Maguire and Reynolds go a long way back. Reynolds made his NRL debut under ‘Madge’ at the Rabbitohs as a 21-year-old in 2012. They won a premiership together at South Sydney in 2014, breaking the club’s 43-year title drought.
Coach and halfback reunited at the Broncos in the summer of 2024-25, when Maguire took charge at Red Hill after the sacking of Kevin Walters. Twelve months later, Maguire and Reynolds won a second premiership together.
Broncos stars Adam Reynolds (left) and Patrick Carrigan. Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Maguire admitted it hurt him knowing there was a perception that he had denied Reynolds a farewell game.
“It’s been an emotional one because I’ve had Reyno in my life for the last 14 years,” the coach said.
“I remember when he was a young 18-year-old, and then all of a sudden you get to the end point.
“To be able to experience the times we’ve had together ... He’s a special human. So it’s always emotional when you get to the end of your career.
“Unfortunately, I think he’s got everything out of that little body of his. We’d all love to see him keep going. Me personally, I’d love to see him go on forever, because we’ve obviously had some great times in what we’ve done.
“But the time came, and he’ll transition into the next part of his life. I’ll always be a part of that, because he’s a great human.”
