Queensland rugby league icon Wally Lewis has called on Brisbane Broncos fans to remain patient as coach Michael Maguire navigates a challenging rebuild during the 2025 NRL season.
Despite recent frustrations among supporters, the Broncos offered a glimpse of resurgence in their emphatic 44-14 victory over the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium, marking a high point in Adam Reynolds’ 300th NRL appearance.
The win snapped a dire run of form, with the Broncos having lost six of their previous seven matches. The return of star fullback Reece Walsh added much-needed spark to the attack, while Maguire’s bold roster adjustments appeared to reinvigorate the team.
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Key among those changes was shifting Patrick Carrigan back to his preferred lock position, relegating Kobe Hetherington to the bench and controversially dropping Selwyn Cobbo.
Cobbo’s replacement, 23-year-old Josiah Karapani, seized the opportunity with a breakout performance—making 176 metres from 15 runs, three tackle breaks, and scoring two tries—justifying Maguire’s decision. Karapani, previously with only 11 NRL games under his belt, now looks to have secured a more permanent spot in the side.
Still, fan discontent with Maguire’s leadership has been simmering. Lewis, speaking on the QLDER show, revealed that he encountered a wave of scepticism from supporters after the Titans clash.
“People were already asking if Maguire is the right man for the job. I was stunned—they expect miracles overnight,” said Lewis. “It’s going to take time to build something sustainable.”
Broncos great Darren Lockyer echoed Lewis’ sentiment, labelling the victory a much-needed “pressure release” and emphasizing the importance of consistency after the bye week.
Further changes are anticipated as Queensland and Broncos veteran Ben Hunt prepares to return following State of Origin Game 2. Hunt is expected to reclaim the No.9 jersey, with Ezra Mam likely to resume at five-eighth once recovered from injury.
This could spell the end of Billy Walters or Corey Paix’s place in the matchday squad, despite both players earning praise for their recent form.
While Cobbo’s omission triggered speculation of a potential move to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, those rumours were quashed midweek. Cobbo was seen supporting teammates during warmups at Suncorp, suggesting he remains committed to the club—at least for now.
As the Broncos enter a critical stretch in the season, both legends and coaching staff are urging calm. Maguire’s rebuild is far from complete, but with signs of promise emerging, calls for immediate upheaval may be premature.
