By IAN JUDSON
BRISBANE coach Michael Maguire still owns a property in the Wigan area and says he had two unbelievable years there that he remembers very fondly.
“It’s nice to come back (to the UK) – I had two unbelievable years,” he said, “The Wigan fans and people up north engaged themselves.
“The family had an unbelievable time here and they always appreciate everything they all did for us.”
When it comes to the job at hand, Maguire says the trophy is not for himself personally but for the players and the fans, which he makes very clear.
“It’s really for my players and the staff, and the club itself, it’s a really very very special trophy, which over the years has been seen in a certain light.
“But I’ve been a part of it where we were able to take it back. And to take it back to a club as big as the Broncos are, as famous as the Broncos, it would be very special and allows our players to go down in the history of what other teams at the Broncos have done in 1992. So yes, it is a very special trophy.”
rugbyleaguehub.com: Is this game about the players making themselves legends?
Michael Maguire: “Definitely. I think, if you look at other teams that have come over in the past … I’ve spoken to some of the players, and they’ve probably realised the opportunities that they did miss. So, there’s something there that you’ve got to recognise that when you’ve got an opportunity of being able to get a trophy and be a part of something that a team can enjoy and a part of something so special, then yes it is big for each player.”
RLH: What are the differences between the NRL and Super League?
MM: “People ask me that all the time. I think probably just the depths of the playing groups. There is a lot of talent over here. I still watch every Super League game, so I’m aware of the players and there is a lot of talent here. I guess we’re able to get outside a bit more and practice but they’re tough and just the environment is different in a certain way. So it is different. But it is still the same game and the same fundamentals are going to be there on Thursday night.”
RLH: Who are the Rovers players that could hurt the Broncos come 7:30 on Thursday evening?
MM: “Their spine. They can shift the ball, so they tend to move the ball from sideline to sideline. Or young (Jez) Litten, so they’ve got a lot of threats across the park. So we’re really going to have to roll the sleeves up and get stuck into the small parts and areas of the game because that’s something the team, my players and my staff really pride ourselves on. So I’m looking forward to seeing that being our starting point of 2026.”
RLH: Does their surprise defeat at York make the Robins more of a threat?
MM: “I don’t look into what that is. I’ve been a part of a Super League game leading into a World Club Challenge, so that game’s now gone. I’d imagine and their focus is now on what they’re going to be doing, and that’s what we’re doing.”
RLH: Is it all about making memories?
MM: “As a player you move through a time at a club and create what the storyline is at a club and when you’ve got a strong club like the Broncos, that’s got a rich history and some ties over here that goes far and wide. When you create a little piece of legacy I suppose, it’s understanding that that’s what’s in front of them and this playing group definitely respect that.”
RLH: Talk to us about the two coaches in Hull, John Cartwright and Willie Peters.
MM: “I’ve talked with Carty, he actually helped me with the New South Wales team before he came across, so he graded me in. So is Willie (Peters) I know him, so I grade them both in the same category. But come Thursday, we get to play.”