Gus wonders ‘what was really behind’ decision that derailed Broncos
Phil Gould does not believe the Broncos are a “broken” team, but the decision of Payne Haas to depart the club at season’s end has left him cautious that things may not be as positive as it once seemed in Brisbane.
Less than a year after winning the competition, Michael Maguire and his men are at risk of ending a nightmare title defence with the wooden spoon in hand.
Payne Haas and his Broncos teammates during the loss to the Roosters. Getty
Maguire has yet to give a detailed explanation about the biggest issues troubling his team this season, even though injuries to key stars like Adam Reynolds (hamstring and calf) and Ben Hunt (knee) could be used as an excuse.
But while Maguire has hit back at the narrative around his strict coaching style and whether it is impacting the attitudes of his playing group, Gould, like league great Andrew Johns, feels the contract call made by Haas was the first sign that things were not all they seemed to be at the Broncos.
“If you have your number one player make an announcement and leave at that stage of the season ... it is an indication that maybe things aren’t great,” he said on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus.
“It would be interesting to know what was really behind Payne’s decision at that time having won a premiership and then early in the season deciding he is going to up and go to Sydney. I don’t think anyone saw that coming.
“Things haven’t gone well since, but I don’t think that’s the cause.”
Haas may never provide that answer publicly.
But Gould turned his attention to the rest of the high-profile Broncos roster and how poorly the group have reacted since.
“It would be frustrating because it is a team stock full of talent, and they are not getting results,” Gould said.
“I guess everybody lifts to play against them because they are the defending premiers, but they should be able to handle that.
“I still see effort from individuals and people trying hard. As a team, it is just not coming together collectively.
He added: “The performance against the Warriors was all the Warriors. They were way too good for them ... they virtually blotted Brisbane out of them.
Maguire’s contract expires at the end of next season Getty Images
“More concerning to me was the week before when they led the Dolphins 24-nil and then get beat 40-30. That is alarming to me. That is not a good sign.”
While there were suggestions the criticism from the Broncos old boys may be taking a toll on the team, Gould refused to accept that as a reason for the club’s current state.
“The outside noise shouldn’t trouble you, and your inner circle should be able to repel that,” he said.
“If it is affecting performances then they need to work out how to address that better. How they should ignore the outside noise, come together as a group and get on with it.
“I imagine there will be a lot of soul-searching and reflection in the off-season. It will be a watch this space with who he sticks by and who he replaces.”
The Broncos will face the Raiders, Storm, and Bulldogs in the final three games of their season.
