‘Turning young boys to men’: How Madge is ‘driving growth’ in Broncos revolution

It was only a few months ago that Michael Maguire was devising a plan to nullify Reece Walsh, but now the gun Broncos fullback is excited to work with his new coach who he hopes can turn him and Brisbane’s other young stars into men.

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Maguire led the Blues to State of Origin glory over Walsh and the Maroons, with former Queensland legends accusing the NSW coach of going after the superstar fullback after he was smashed in the head by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii just seven minutes into the series opener.

But that’s all been put to bed now, with Walsh excited to work with the veteran coach and eager to get the Broncos back into the top eight after he inked a new four-year deal last month.

Maguire has to navigate a talented squad that went from the grand final to missing the top eight in the space of 12 months, with Ezra Mam’s immediate playing future up in the air.

While that still needs to play out, Walsh is looking forward to working with Maguire who can help him on and off the field.

“Turning some of us young boys into men. I think that’s a big one,” he replied when asked about his new coach.

“Me and ‘Madge’ had a few chats before we got it (the deal) done. I was just happy that he wanted to keep me on for five more years.

“It’s about me growing as a person and player because I want to be that player that everyone wants to play with. Madge is really driving that. I’ve got so much growth in me and he sees that.”

Walsh’s contract extension was a drawn out process that was originally mentioned months ago but took until the off-season to get sorted.

“It was a long time coming,” he said, adamant the negotiations weren’t a distraction.

“To have it all done is good because I don’t have to think about anything besides turning up here day in and day out and trying to put my best foot forward.

“It’s pleasing that it’s done and it’s good to just focus on working hard and building a strong culture.

“I wouldn’t say it (the delay in signing) impacted me too much. There were conversations with my manager a few times last year, but I wouldn’t say it affected me.”

The 22-year-old has experienced the highs and lows in his two seasons with the Broncos, but he wants to enjoy some consistency in 2025 and to take on more of a leadership role at Queensland’s glamour club.

It’s something he’s destined to do, with Walsh the most marketable player in the game, with fans waiting hours after games to get a selfie or some memorabilia from the Maroons star.

His fame off the field is great, but that’s not the legacy Walsh wants to leave.

“I play rugby league to win, and I believe that we’re building a strong work ethic here,” he said.

“We’re all doing that together here so it’s not solely about me. All the boys are pushing each other and they’re pushing me to be better.

“I come in here each day and I work hard to be a footballer. I can’t control stuff that happens out there. I just want to come in here, put my best foot forward and be the best rugby league player I can be.

“When I go home, I want to be the best dad and best son I can be. All that stuff works itself out.”