The signing of a crucial player causes controversy, Michael Maguire splits Brisbane Broncos supporters.
The decision to re-sign veteran forward Martin Taupau has raised doubts among Brisbane Broncos supporters, as new coach Michael Maguire carried on with a retention campaign on Monday.
The Broncos followed the trend by bringing Taupau back on a new one-year contract for 2025, following the confirmation of Reece Walsh’s $5 million extension and the re-signing of emerging talent Xavier Willison this week.
In 2024, the former New Zealand international averaged 86 running metres per game in his 13 appearances under previous coach Kevin Walters. However, after earning a recall to first grade, the 34-year-old had a successful season finale.
“It means a lot to me to have an extended contract at this point in my career,” he stated on Monday. “This deal goes beyond a single season.
For me, it symbolises the faith that my teammates and supporters have in my ability to keep making an impact on and off the pitch.
Additionally, it’s an opportunity for me to coach younger players and impart the knowledge I’ve gained, with the goal of motivating them in the same manner that I was motivated to begin.
Being allowed to continue doing what I love at this level is truly an honour for which I am immensely thankful.
The Broncos finished in 12th place and missed the playoffs in 2024 because they lacked offensive punch. Fans were particularly critical of Taupau, Jordan Riki, and Prendan Piakura, in addition to Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan.
Early in the season, Taupau was criticised by many because they thought he wasn’t aiming high enough or providing the Broncos with enough middle-field firepower.
However, Maguire observed enough to conclude that the Kiwi still has one more year of NRL left in him.
Martin Taupau’s re-signing caused division among Broncos supporters.
Taupau had previously played under Maguire while he was New Zealand’s coach. The seasoned forward declared, “I’m truly thrilled about this new chapter under Madge.”
“His performance history speaks for itself, and his dedication to excellence is a wonderful fit with both our team’s objectives and my own ideals.
“We are prepared to take on the difficulties that lie ahead because we know that success demands commitment and hard effort.
We are certain that, under Madge’s direction, we can improve our performance and inspire our supporters.
However, Broncos supporters are very divided over the re-signing. Some questioned whether the money could have been used elsewhere, while others emphasised how well he concluded the season.
Maguire sets high standards as Martin Taupau struggles.
Taupau may have wished he had chosen to retire instead of attend Maguire’s first training session on Monday.
During the exhausting session in the Brisbane heat, the veteran was one of several players who were observed throwing up.
At the unconventional time of 1.30 pm, at least for the Broncos, the players were soaked in heat that was over thirty degrees.
Maguire is obviously eager to raise the bar, which was not met in 2024 when the Broncos fell from being 2023’s grand finalists to missing the finals entirely.
Taupau will bounce back, according to Maguire, who was pleased with the players’ efforts at their first practice on Monday. “He’ll be alright, even though he was having some difficulties there. He was all OK. Each of them had a fiery fracture. The coach smiled, “It was good to see.”
