The Brisbane Broncos' intense pre-season training under Michael Maguire has been revealed as even more demanding than initially reported. The regime, dubbed 'nuts' by players, has sparked debate and skepticism, with some questioning Maguire's approach. However, the results speak for themselves, as the Broncos emerged victorious in the NRL finals, breaking a 19-year drought.
Players' accounts of the grueling sessions have been eye-opening, with Patrick Carrigan describing Maguire's training methods as 'worse' than rumored. The regime involved brutal fitness sessions, with players reportedly throwing up into buckets, indicating the physical and mental toll it took. Despite the initial skepticism, Maguire's approach laid the foundation for the team's success, as Carrigan explains. He emphasizes the importance of the conditioning and the 'wrestle room' sessions, which were initially met with criticism but ultimately contributed to the team's triumph.
Back rower Jordan Riki shared a similar sentiment, labeling the training regimen 'nuts' despite his previous experience with Maguire on the international stage. Riki's initial nervousness about the pre-season regime turned into awe as he witnessed the 'Madge effect' in action, ultimately leading to the team's championship win. The story of the Broncos' pre-season training serves as a testament to the power of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits, leaving a lasting impact on the team's performance and success.