NRL express concerns over vomit bucket at Brisbane Broncos training
Michael Maguire has wasted no time making a bold impact on the Brisbane Broncos as they set their sights on a successful 2025 campaign. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season two months ago, the Broncos are back on the training field under Maguire’s watchful eye, ready to push the limits and transform their fortunes. Maguire, renowned for his demanding coaching style, brings both a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to discipline and hard work—qualities that have made him one of the most respected figures in rugby league.
The club’s decision to bring in Maguire followed the dismissal of former head coach Kevin Walters in September, a move that signaled Brisbane’s intent to shift gears and set higher expectations. Walters had been at the helm for several years, but after a series of setbacks and inconsistency, the Broncos’ management decided to part ways and look toward a coach with proven championship pedigree. Maguire’s resume speaks for itself: he led the South Sydney Rabbitohs to a historic NRL premiership in 2014, claimed a Super League title with Wigan, and has demonstrated his acumen on the international stage by guiding New Zealand to a stunning 30-0 victory over Australia last year. In addition, he led New South Wales to a rare State of Origin decider win in Queensland, solidifying his reputation as a coach who thrives under pressure and knows how to win in hostile environments.
In his first few weeks at Red Hill, Maguire has introduced a rigorous training regimen designed to elevate the Broncos’ physical and mental toughness. The team, alongside other NRL clubs, began their pre-season training in early November, with younger players and those on train-and-trial contracts getting the first taste of the new era. Maguire is leaving no stone unturned, pushing the players to perform at a high standard from day one. Seasoned players like Selwyn Cobbo and Payne Haas have also made an early return to training, determined to gain a competitive edge and align themselves with Maguire’s high expectations.
Maguire’s reputation as a hard-driving coach was immediately evident on the training field, where players were pushed to their physical limits in the Brisbane heat. According to The Courier Mail, the sight of “vomit buckets” placed around training stations, including exercise bikes, underscored the intensity of Maguire’s sessions. The presence of these buckets sent a clear message: under Maguire, the Broncos would be pushed to their peak, and only those willing to go the extra mile would thrive. While this old-school training approach has raised eyebrows, it also highlights the coach’s commitment to instilling a sense of grit and resilience in the squad—traits he believes are essential for building a winning culture.
However, the NRL’s recent emphasis on player welfare, particularly concerning heat stress, has made intense training sessions a delicate subject. Following the tragic passing of Manly’s Keith Titmuss in 2020, which led to a coronial inquest, the league has implemented new guidelines to protect players during pre-season training, particularly in the warmer months. The NRL now mandates a series of heat check measures to ensure the players’ safety and well-being. News of the Broncos’ intense sessions quickly prompted the league to investigate, with footage showing players sweating profusely and visibly struggling through the rigorous drills.
Responding to the inquiries, Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy stressed that the club’s staff is fully aware of the NRL’s updated pre-season guidelines and is taking every precaution to ensure player safety. “Our team has gone above and beyond the league’s requirements to ensure our players are looked after, especially given the Brisbane climate,” Donaghy explained. He noted the club’s advantage in having Troy Thomson, a former NRL elite performance manager, on staff to oversee these protocols. Observers at training have seen players taking steps to stay hydrated, draping cold, wet towels over their heads, and closely following the club’s hydration protocols as they adapt to Maguire’s demanding sessions.
The new NRL guidelines stipulate that all clubs must conduct heat tests before each training session, and ensure cooling breaks are taken in shaded areas. Teams are also required to provide ice towels, misting fans, and ample hydration opportunities for players. Additionally, each NRL club must assess players for heat stress risk factors based on their total body mass, an innovative approach aimed at personalizing safety measures. Any player showing visible signs of overheating must be immediately moved into the shade, where their core temperature can be monitored. Ice baths remain the preferred method for cooling down overheated players, along with an alternative method involving placing the player on a tarp while cold water and ice are poured over them to bring their body temperature down.
Despite the strict training guidelines, Maguire is determined to bring his signature brand of discipline and intensity to the Broncos. He has made it clear that he wants the team to be physically and mentally prepared to overcome any obstacle in their path. “I’m extremely hungry to win another competition,” Maguire said when introduced as the new head coach. “There’s no timeline, but we’re all in a rush. We all want success, and we’re going to work together to get there.” His goal is nothing short of building the Broncos into a premiership-winning team, and he’s made it clear that everyone, from the youngest recruit to the most seasoned veteran, will need to buy into this vision.
The team’s preparation is also benefiting from recent positive news off the field, with star fullback Reece Walsh recently signing a four-year extension to keep him at the club through 2029. Walsh’s decision to commit to the Broncos reinforces the sense that this is a club on the rise, ready to recapture its former glory under Maguire’s leadership. With a blend of youthful talent, seasoned professionals, and a coach known for his no-nonsense approach, the Broncos seem well-positioned to make a strong statement in 2025.
As the squad ramps up their pre-season program, more experienced players are expected to return on November 11, reuniting with the team and getting a head start on their fitness before the holiday break. International players, such as Pat Carrigan and Jordan Riki, will also aim to join in training sessions before Christmas, further solidifying the squad and allowing Maguire to instill his methods across the entire group.
For Maguire, the pre-season is not just a time to build physical endurance, but a crucial period to embed a championship mindset within the team. His emphasis on mental toughness, hard work, and accountability has already set the tone for a new chapter at the club. Although he has only been with the Broncos for a short time, it’s clear that Maguire’s influence is being felt throughout the organization. With the groundwork now in place and players beginning to respond to his vision, the stage is set for the Broncos to push toward their goal of climbing the NRL ladder and becoming contenders once again.
