Broncos rocked: Assistant coach Ben Te’o quits after Maguire clash

The Brisbane Broncos are navigating a turbulent period, with reports surfacing that assistant coach Ben Te’o has submitted his resignation following a heated exchange with head coach Michael Maguire. The news comes just days after a public disagreement with club legend Gorden Tallis, adding to the growing list of off-field distractions for the premiership contenders.

According to Code Sports, the clash between Maguire and Te’o stemmed from differing opinions on team tactics in the lead-up to their recent victory over the Melbourne Storm. Crisis talks involving the pair and the club’s football boss, Troy Thomson, were subsequently held in an attempt to resolve the situation.

The incident reportedly escalated during a dinner days before the Broncos’ 2025 Grand Final rematch against the Storm. While details remain scarce, sources indicate Te’o has informed the club of his intention to step down from his role. A Broncos spokesperson confirmed the meeting between Maguire, Te’o and Thomson to the publication.

Te’o’s potential departure is particularly surprising given his strong connection to Maguire, dating back to their time together at the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2014, where they celebrated a premiership victory. He was brought into the Broncos setup by former coach Kevin Walters and retained by Maguire upon his appointment, playing a key role in developing the team’s defensive strategies alongside assistants Matt Ballin and Trent Barrett.

The timing of this disruption is far from ideal for the Broncos, as they prepare for a crucial period in the season. Veteran rugby league reporter Peter Badel, speaking on SEN Radio, expressed his shock at the news. “I’m totally stunned right now,” Badel said. “Ben Te’o and Madge travel back to their South Sydney days… Ben Te’o was one of his key back rowers and they’ve had a long history since. This has come as a total bombshell for me.”

Badel highlighted Te’o’s popularity with the playing group and his significant contribution to the Broncos’ premiership success. “The last few years when he helped them to a premiership, he was the man that resided over their defensive structures and I know he’s hugely popular with the players and so this has come as a total bombshell for me.”

Players themselves have acknowledged Te’o’s impact. Forward Ben Talty, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, described Te’o as an “exceptional coach” after learning of the news. “I saw it on Instagram this morning. I haven’t read too much into it. I don’t know what’s coming or how true the situation is but I can’t really comment on that,” Talty said. “Benny is a fantastic coach. He’s our defence coach and we try to pride ourselves on our defence as a team.”

Forward Brendan Piakura echoed those sentiments, stating, “I don’t know. I just found out this morning, so not too sure… Just learning off him, he was a great player and a great coach as well. We won a grand final with him… And he’s our defence coach. Us players really took his practices into the game.”

Former Broncos legend Corey Parker, also speaking on SEN Radio, suggested the severity of the disagreement must be significant for Te’o to consider leaving. “Having disagreements as coaches and assistants is OK due to the fact that that’s ultimately how you challenge each other ultimately trying to get better,” Parker said. “This altercation must be so bad, the fact that Ben Te’o is potentially going I’m done.”

Te’o himself previously offered insight into Maguire’s coaching style, noting an “evolution” since their time at South Sydney. In an appearance on James Graham’s ‘The Bye Round Podcast’ last year, Te’o observed that Maguire had become “more measured” and less prone to outbursts. “He was) young, aggressive, straight-forward, very challenging and he’d go off pretty easily,” Te’o said at the time. “I’d say he’s a lot more measured now. Obviously (he has had) time and experience. But the blow-ups aren’t the same. He’s evolved.”

The situation at Red Hill is becoming increasingly complex. The club is already dealing with the fallout from the dispute with Gorden Tallis, which resulted in his name being removed from a conference room. Now, the potential loss of a key member of the coaching staff threatens to further destabilize the team as they strive to build on their 2025 premiership success.

The Broncos’ ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial as they look to maintain their position at the top of the NRL ladder. The upcoming “Battle of Brisbane” against the Gold Coast Titans will undoubtedly be a significant test, both on and off the field.