Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has declared the Broncos' title defence is "alive and kicking" and will resist any temptation to use the remainder of the season as preparation for 2027, despite the team slumping to a seventh consecutive loss.
The Broncos went down 24-18 to the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, leaving them in 13th position on the NRL ladder. With only nine games remaining, Brisbane must win eight of those to have any chance of playing finals football.
Maguire backs his players
Maguire said the players "fought like hell for each other" against the Roosters and bristled when it was suggested his team was done for 2026. "I wouldn't say it's an uphill battle with the team I've got here," Maguire said. "People can say whatever they like, but the belief I have in this group and the journey I've had with this group tells me they're a great group. If you fight like that, we'll let that do the talking."
In the post-match press conference, Maguire was asked whether it was tempting to give more game time to 20-year-old hooker Cameron Bukowski and giant prop VJ Semu, 22, after both made impressive debuts in 2026. "You obviously weren't listening to what I said," Maguire retorted. When it was pointed out that the Broncos could still mathematically play finals, Maguire took up that theme: "You just said the side can do it. I'm going to continually pick the players I believe can make us win. I get it's a valid question and I understand that but it's a Broncos jersey and they compete. As you said (finals are) doable, so why not?"
Injury crisis deepens
The Broncos are battling an injury crisis that worsened against the Roosters. Bench forward Aublix Tawha (ankle) ended up in a moon boot after the match, and lock Xavier Willison failed a head injury assessment (HIA). Both are in doubt for next Saturday night's home game against Cronulla.
However, there is positive news on the injury front. Captain Adam Reynolds (calf) and five-eighth Ezra Mam (shoulder) are nearing a return, and Maguire suggested lock Pat Carrigan (ankle) and winger Deine Mariner (leg) are not far away. "It depends on who goes to Origin and who's coming and going, but we'll definitely get some back," Maguire said. "Deino and Patty, they are pretty handy names to be bringing back in. They're the reasons why I believe in this team."
Haas dismisses release speculation
Prop Payne Haas, who captained the side and had a standout performance, will not be available for the Broncos due to NSW State of Origin commitments. Haas also addressed speculation that he had been seeking a release to join South Sydney before June 30, the club he will play for in 2027. "It's BS," Haas said. "There's no way I would ever let that happen. I love this group and I'm committed to this group this year. These guys are my brothers. I don't know how that (story) came about, but I'm fully committed to the Broncos and doing my part here before I leave."
The Broncos face a daunting task to keep their season alive, but Maguire remains defiant, insisting the belief within the squad remains strong.
