Broncos Drama: Maguire & Te’o in Heated Clash, Assistant’s Future in Doubt

A heated dispute between Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire and assistant coach Ben Te’o has reportedly escalated to the point where Te’o is considering leaving the club, just days after a separate disagreement with Broncos legend Gorden Tallis led to the removal of Tallis’s name from a club conference room.

The clash between Maguire and Te’o reportedly centered on team tactics in the lead-up to the Broncos’ recent victory over the Melbourne Storm, according to reports. The incident prompted crisis talks involving the pair and Broncos football boss Troy Thomson, a Broncos spokesperson confirmed to Code Sports.

The disagreement unfolded during a dinner days before the Storm match, described as a “robust discussion” that has left Te’o contemplating his future at Red Hill. Te’o was initially hired by former Broncos coach Kevin Walters and retained by Maguire upon taking the helm.

Despite the current tension, Te’o has a history with Maguire dating back to their time together at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where they celebrated a premiership victory in 2014. Te’o currently oversees the Broncos’ defensive structures, working alongside assistants Matt Ballin and Trent Barrett.

Veteran rugby league reporter Peter Badel, speaking on SEN Radio, expressed surprise at the reports, given the pair’s shared history. “I’m totally shocked by this,” Badel said. “Ben Te’o and Madge go back to their South Sydney days… Ben Te’o has been wonderful for that club.”

Former Broncos captain Corey Parker, also speaking on SEN Radio, suggested the severity of the disagreement must be significant for Te’o to consider resigning. “This altercation must be so bad, the fact that Ben Te’o is potentially going ‘I’m done’,” Parker stated.

Last year, Te’o discussed Maguire’s development as a coach on the ‘The Bye Round Podcast’, noting a shift in Maguire’s approach. “He was young, aggressive… he’d go off pretty easily,” Te’o said. “I’d say he’s a lot more measured now.”

The situation adds further complexity to the Broncos’ preparations for the upcoming “Battle of Brisbane” against the Gold Coast Titans.