‘Whatever we do is magnified’: How Maguire addressed Broncos’ antics

2 weeks ago 3

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has revealed he did not consider Gehamat Shibasaki’s axing “a big call”, but rather a necessary step to ensure the culture he is striving to instil is attained.

The resurgent centre reportedly arrived at training on Monday still feeling the effects of a boozy Sunday night.

Despite a top-four spot being on the line against Melbourne Storm on Thursday, Maguire did not blink after consulting the club’s leadership group.

Gehamat Shibasaki is paying a price for his training indiscretion.

“I don’t think it is a big call – it’s the expectation with what’s going on,” Maguire said.

“Culture is everything, you’ve got to live by what you’re building and the expectations of each other.”

Shibasaki was the feel-good story of the NRL season – rising from a preseason train and trial to become a shock State of Origin bolter in the Queensland Maroons’ game three, a series-sealing triumph.

The 27-year-old has managed 15 tries, 20 linebreaks and 94 tackle busts, while averaging 150 metres a game in 22 appearances. He will be replaced by Deine Mariner in the centres, with Jesse Arthars returning on the wing.

Maguire said Shibasaki understood he had made a mistake “and he’s paid the price, I suppose”.

“We’ve worked really hard throughout the season. It’s been a journey, and we’ve learnt plenty about each other. We’ve had a few hurdles along the way, and this is no different,” he added.

“The boys, from day one when I first walked in, talked about who we want to be and the culture and expectations, and that’s what we’re living by.

“That’s part of what grows great teams … every now and then, one of our own might go a bit sideways, and he’s got to get back on track, put his head down and work.”

Shibasaki’s dilemma was the second off-field incident the Broncos had to address this week, after a video circulated of star fullback Reece Walsh drinking from a toilet.

The 23-year-old is among the most followed athletes in the country, boasting 542,000 Instagram followers.

Maguire described the incident as “unusual”, and while the livewire No.1 will still take to Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, his coach was adamant he needed to take greater accountability for the “influence” he has.

“He’s very passionate about what we’re doing, and he just needs to make sure he adjusts to the expectations,” Maguire said.

“We’re a club that gets over 40,000 fans to a game. Whatever we do is magnified, and he understands that’s part of who he is as a Broncos player.

“We have a big influence on our community.”

A win against Melbourne would silence some of the noise surrounding the Broncos’ indiscretions, but would require their forward leader, Payne Haas, to set the tone.

Broncos prop Payne Haas is eyeing his first premiership.

Haas has been the dominant prop of 2025 – averaging 170 running metres, 5.6 tackle busts and 34 tackles (98.55 per cent efficiency) per game, to go with a personal best of 58 offloads.

The 25-year-old has become well-seasoned in blocking outside noise. The incarceration of both his parents has failed to hinder his on-field exploits, while his status as one of the code’s biggest stars has heightened expectations around his performance.

“I think just blocking out the noise and being present where my feet are [is how I’ve performed] – that’s trying to play the best footy I can every week for the boys here. I’m worrying about what I’ve got to do to be at my best on the weekend,” Haas said.

“Ever since I started here, [my main goal] was to win a premiership, and that’s something missing on my resume. It’s something I really want on there, and I’ll be going hard for it this year.

“No team has won the comp outside the top four. We know what’s at stake this week.”

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