Brisbane Broncos star breaks silence on player revolt

Brisbane Broncos are currently in a hole less than ten months after winning the NRL Premiership, amid accusations of a ‘player revolt’.

The Broncos have won five of their opening 15 games in the 2026 NRL season, leaving their chances of making the Finals virtually over.

Injuries aplenty are the biggest reason why Brisbane have fallen into the abyss, but that hasn’t stopped head coach Michael Maguire from coming under intense pressure.

Some NRL pundits have suggested the Broncos should part ways with the two-time Premiership winner at the end of the season, while others wouldn’t be surprised if he left the club.

Reports of Brisbane Broncos player revolt

However, recent reports have also claimed that Maguire, whose current contract runs until the end of the 2027 season, could be offered an extension as Brisbane seeks to quell the noise.

There are reports that last week Maguire held a player meeting during which he was emotional and close to tears. The Brisbane boss was aiming to inspire his side to victory over Sydney Roosters, but the Broncos fell just short in a 24-18 loss.

Some pundits believe the rallying call fell on deaf ears because the players are unhappy under Maguire, with several stars alleged to be holding out over signing new contracts in the hope that Maguire leaves the club at the end of 2027.

This is what has been labelled a ‘player revolt’, and there is also a suggestion of a ‘mass exodus’ if the Broncos do extend Maguire.

But these are all rumours, and nothing around a player revolt or potential mass exodus has been spoken about by the players.

Ben Hunt on reports of Brisbane Broncos player revolt

Furthermore, Ben Hunt, who last month signed a one-year contract extension to remain with Brisbane in 2027, insists Maguire is still respected in the sheds, and feels the players are continuing to play hard for him.

“I re-signed assuming ‘Madge’ (Maguire) would be the coach,” Hunt told the Courier Mail. “He was the one who approached me and asked if I wanted to go around again.

“It was a no-brainer. I’m excited to be here. He’s our coach, and I’m happy to get on with it. It’s the Broncos, there’s always outside noise and different things going on, but I’m happy.”

On the players’ desire to work hard for Maguire, Hunt added: “Yeah mate. We lost on the weekend (24-18 against the Roosters), but if you look at the game and the effort we put in, we fought hard. If you take anything out of that, it’s that the boys are fighting for him.

“For me, it’s his directness. He always tells me where I stand. There’s no grey area, and I’ve always loved that in a coach. He’s very clear with his players, and he’s always been that way with me since I’ve been here.”