“BREAKING: Brisbane Broncos Shock fans in new overhaul, Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan forced to move
The Brisbane Broncos’ leadership has reportedly grown increasingly concerned about key players like Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan choosing to live on the Gold Coast, roughly a 90-minute drive away from the team’s headquarters in Brisbane. The club is reportedly questioning if this commuting distance is impacting player performance and the team’s overall culture. Michael Maguire, the recently appointed head coach, has already initiated efforts to reinforce the club’s culture and standards, and there is speculation that he may encourage players to live closer to the team’s training facilities to foster a more cohesive environment.
Walsh and Carrigan are among several Broncos players who have chosen to reside on the Gold Coast rather than Brisbane. Walsh, in fact, recently purchased a property in the Gold Coast hinterland, solidifying his ties to the area. This distance means that players living there must travel close to 160 kilometers daily for training—a journey that can take around 90 minutes each way under normal traffic conditions. According to a report by the Courier Mail, club officials have discussed whether a closer residence to Brisbane should be encouraged, amid concerns that the extended travel time could be taking a toll on players’ energy levels and commitment to club activities.
The team is coming off a disappointing 2024 season, finishing 12th just a year after making the 2023 grand final, marking one of the most substantial declines in the club’s history. The issues with commuting were evident as some players reportedly requested to leave training sessions early to avoid peak-hour traffic on their return trips to the Gold Coast. Star player Payne Haas previously faced similar challenges, but he has since moved closer to Red Hill, the Broncos’ base, to avoid the long commute.
One Broncos staffer previously shared that the situation was “a nightmare,” as players would want to cut short their training sessions, specifically weights, to try and get ahead of the heavy traffic. “I never liked the idea of Broncos players living on the Gold Coast,” the staffer was quoted by the Courier Mail.
Coach Michael Maguire, known for his disciplined approach, has reportedly voiced a preference for players to live closer to Brisbane. While he isn’t expected to mandate that players relocate, Maguire seems keen on removing the accommodations previously made for those who commute from the Gold Coast. Under his leadership, it appears that training schedules will no longer be adjusted to cater to the commuting players, aligning with Maguire’s drive to instill a work-hard mentality and reinforce accountability.
Despite these concerns, Broncos legend Corey Parker has weighed in on the debate, questioning whether a player’s residence should be an issue if their on-field performance and professionalism meet the club’s expectations. “My personal view is live wherever you want, who cares?” Parker commented. “Why would it matter? If it’s impacting the team and their performance, then you might have to look at it.”
Parker pointed out that former Broncos captain Alex Glenn also lived on the Gold Coast for much of his career, yet he was consistently regarded as a consummate professional. “You have to make sure you are performing and doing your job as a professional,” Parker added, suggesting that as long as players maintain high standards, their place of residence should be a personal choice.
As the Broncos seek to bounce back from a challenging season, this question of where players live could become a larger conversation about commitment, accountability, and the impact of daily routines on performance. Maguire’s stance on fostering a dedicated team environment could bring about subtle changes in how the team operates, as he looks to create a culture that prioritizes team unity and minimizes external distractions. Whether the commuting players will decide to move closer to the club’s heart remains to be seen, but Maguire’s vision for the Broncos signals a new chapter focused on professionalism and resilience.
