Brisbane Broncos officials has voiced out in fears about its superstar players living on the most notorious party strip in Australia
The Brisbane Broncos’ high-performance team has voiced concerns that the long commutes between Red Hill in Brisbane and the Gold Coast—known as one of Australia’s most lively social hubs—could affect the performance of some of their players. The 160-kilometer round trips, they argue, could subtly impact the players’ focus, recovery, and physical readiness, which are essential for maintaining peak performance levels in the demanding world of professional rugby league.
Several players, including vice-captain Pat Carrigan, superstar fullback Reece Walsh, and winger Jesse Arthars, currently call the Gold Coast home. For these athletes, the appeal of the Gold Coast’s relaxed beach lifestyle and vibrant atmosphere is undeniable. However, the contrast between the bustling nightlife of the Glitter Strip and the high-stakes training environment in Brisbane has led to questions about how players balance these differing lifestyles. The high-performance team suggests that while the Gold Coast can offer a balanced lifestyle, the associated commuting may subtly undermine some aspects of training and performance due to added travel and time away from team facilities.
Yet, despite these concerns, Broncos great Corey Parker sees no issue with players choosing to live on the Gold Coast, dismissing the notion that it could become a distraction for the team. “In my opinion, players should be free to live wherever they prefer, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their commitment to the team and the standards expected of them,” Parker told News Corp. He emphasized that location is less important than discipline, focus, and professionalism. “If living on the Gold Coast starts impacting the team, then maybe it’s something to reconsider, but as things stand, players just need to focus on their own performance and doing their job as professionals. It really shouldn’t matter where they live as long as they’re showing up and doing what’s required of them.”
Parker’s relaxed stance stands in contrast to the more structured approach that new head coach Michael Maguire has taken since he joined the Broncos in late September. Maguire, known for his disciplined approach and his belief in building a tightly connected squad, has emphasized that team cohesion will be one of the cornerstones of the Broncos’ future success. He’s pointed to teams like the Penrith Panthers as examples of clubs where connectivity and shared purpose have translated into sustained success on the field. For Maguire, a united team environment where players feel connected to both each other and the club could be a game-changer.
Adding to the challenges Maguire faces, the Broncos also have to consider the uncertain future of five-eighth Ezra Mam, who is currently in rehabilitation. His situation leaves a gap in the roster that Maguire would ideally like to fill with a seasoned player who can bring experience and leadership to the team. Maguire has openly expressed his interest in bringing Ben Hunt into the fold, describing him as a transformative player with the skill set and maturity the Broncos need.
“Ben Hunt is truly a world-class player with loads of experience. He’s the kind of player who could elevate this team, both on and off the field,” Maguire said. “He has commitments with the Australian national team right now as they prepare for the Pacific Championship final against Tonga. After that, we expect he’ll take some time to decide on his future plans. But I think having someone of his caliber would be incredibly valuable for us. He’s the type of player who can add immediate depth and quality to our lineup, especially at a time when we’re looking to build a winning culture here at the Broncos.”
Since taking over as head coach, Maguire has already begun implementing a high-intensity training program that sets a new standard for physical and mental resilience. His pre-season sessions, conducted in Brisbane’s intense heat, are designed to push players to their limits and prepare them for the grueling season ahead. By instilling a rigorous training regimen, Maguire aims to signal to his players that nothing short of their best effort will be acceptable as the club looks to regain its competitive edge.
Maguire’s commitment to fostering a connected and high-performing team culture is apparent, and his actions speak to his ambition of restoring the Broncos to the top of the league. Through meticulous training, an emphasis on unity, and the potential recruitment of high-caliber players like Hunt, Maguire is setting the stage for a new era at the club. His leadership style, characterized by discipline and a strong sense of purpose, is intended not just to improve the players’ performance but also to build a sustainable foundation for long-term success.
For Broncos fans, Maguire’s approach represents a fresh start filled with hope. With renewed focus on discipline, togetherness, and recruiting experienced talent, Maguire’s vision is clear: to transform the Broncos into a force to be reckoned with in the NRL. And as the season approaches, all eyes will be on how this new-look Broncos team, under Maguire’s guidance, navigates the challenges ahead, both on and off the field.
