Broncos Coach Maguire Reflects on Bye Week Recharge: ‘No Lost Momentum Here’
By Jackson Reid
When the Brisbane Broncos were granted a much-needed bye in the heart of a demanding season, head coach Michael Maguire didn’t see it as a potential setback — he saw it as a gift. A chance to reset. To recalibrate. And to reconnect.
Now back at Red Hill with training in full swing ahead of their upcoming clash against the Eels, Maguire is adamant the break did more good than harm.
“Momentum isn’t something that vanishes just because you take a breath,” Maguire said, standing beside the training paddock, the Queensland sun catching the brim of his Broncos cap. “It’s built in habits. It’s built in culture. One week off doesn’t undo that.”
### A Strategic Pause
The Broncos entered the bye on the back of three consecutive wins — gritty, high-energy performances that had fans dreaming of September glory. But with several players nursing minor injuries and fatigue becoming a quiet whisper in the dressing room, the break couldn’t have come at a better time.
Rather than keeping players locked into drills and routine, Maguire gave the squad time to recharge — both physically and mentally.
“Footy’s a grind,” he said. “People see the eighty minutes on the field, but they don’t always see the toll it takes behind the scenes. This was a window to rest, recover, and reset.”
Veterans like Adam Reynolds took the opportunity to spend time with family in the Gold Coast hinterlands, while younger stars such as Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam jetted off for a few days in Byron Bay, catching waves and sharing laughs away from the high-pressure spotlight of the NRL.
But it wasn’t just about beachside cocktails and lazy mornings.
### High-Performance Balance
Maguire and his staff carefully curated individual training programs for each player to follow during the break, ensuring fitness levels didn’t drop. GPS-tracked running drills, light gym sessions, and recovery-focused stretching routines were the baseline.
“It wasn’t a free-for-all holiday,” Maguire said with a smile. “Every player knew what they had to do. They earned the rest, but we weren’t going to let the engine stall.”
Head of Performance, Dave Templeton, confirmed the team returned to base with excellent conditioning numbers.
“We tested markers like VO2 max, sprint times, and strength outputs on Monday morning,” Templeton said. “And they were either maintained or improved. That’s a testament to the players’ professionalism.”
### Mindset Over Muscle
For Maguire, the bye wasn’t just about physical wellbeing. He’s a coach who deeply values mental clarity, often referencing lessons from his time coaching the Kiwis and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“Rest isn’t weakness. Sometimes the best way to sharpen a blade is to stop grinding it,” he said.
To that end, the Broncos engaged with performance psychologists and leadership mentors during the break. Several players took part in mindfulness sessions and team-building workshops.
One of the more unique experiences involved a day-long retreat outside Brisbane, where players participated in guided bush walks and yarning circles — a nod to both mindfulness and cultural connection.
“It was different,” said forward Pat Carrigan. “But really powerful. We talked about identity, leadership, what it means to represent this club and each other. It wasn’t just good for the soul — it brought us closer.”
### Dismissing the Doubters
Despite the thoughtful planning, critics emerged. Some pundits speculated that the break could halt the Broncos’ surge — that they might lose their edge.
Maguire doesn’t buy it.
“People will always talk,” he shrugged. “But inside these walls, we know what we’re building. One week away doesn’t change that.”
He points to training footage — sessions sharper and more intense than before the bye. He highlights the energy in the room, the laughter during warm-ups, the laser focus during defensive drills.
“We didn’t just come back rested. We came back hungry,” he said.
### Players Rejuvenated
Key players echoed the coach’s sentiment.
Reece Walsh, who had battled through a nagging ankle complaint, said the break gave him a chance to fully reset.
“I haven’t felt this fresh since Round 1,” Walsh admitted. “Sometimes you don’t realize how much your body’s hurting until you stop.”
Similarly, Payne Haas used the week to get ahead on rehab and even indulge in a rare hobby — painting.
“Yeah, I painted a few landscapes,” he laughed. “It’s random, but it helps me switch off. I feel clear-headed coming back.”
Even club stalwart Kotoni Staggs, known for his fierce on-field demeanor, returned with a smile and a renewed sense of purpose.
“You miss the game when you’re away from it, even for a few days. Now we’re back, we’re locked in,” he said.
### Looking Ahead
The Broncos face a challenging road to the finals, with games against top-eight rivals looming. But Maguire sees opportunity, not obstacles.
“This group is special,” he said. “They’ve bought into the vision. They’ve put in the work. And they’ve come back ready to fight for every inch.”
In many ways, the bye week wasn’t a break from the season — it was a bridge to the next phase.
“Footy’s not just about playing well. It’s about knowing when to push and when to pause,” Maguire said. “This was our pause. Now it’s time to push.”
As the Broncos resumed full training with intensity and unity, one thing was clear: momentum isn’t measured by calendar days. It’s carried in the hearts, minds, and bodies of a team that believes — not just in the path they’re on, but in the way they walk it.
Read more at sportonyou.com
