Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has announced roster changes, including moving Gehamat Shibasaki to the interchange bench, and provided an update on captain Adam Reynolds' rib injury. The team is preparing to face the Melbourne Storm while addressing an 0-2 start to the season.
Adam Reynolds Sidelined for Storm Match
Adam Reynolds, the Broncos' captain, will not participate in the upcoming NRL grand final rematch against the Melbourne Storm. Reynolds sustained a rib injury during the Round 2 match against Parramatta.
Coach Maguire anticipates Reynolds will return to play the following week, noting that he initially thought Reynolds might be able to play sooner.
Former player Gorden Tallis criticized Reynolds for traveling to Sydney for a Fox Sports TV role after his injury, suggesting it might impede his recovery. Maguire stated that medical staff had cleared Reynolds to travel, and he completed training sessions following his media appearance.
Reynolds was initially named in the halfback position but was later confirmed out after not recovering adequately from a training session. Maguire indicated that Reynolds is highly committed, stating he would have played if it were a grand final. He emphasized the length of the season ahead and the importance of Reynolds' full recovery.
Roster Shake-Up: Shibasaki to Bench, Mariner and Anderson Start
In response to defensive performance, coach Maguire has moved center Gehamat Shibasaki to the interchange bench for the game against the Storm. Deine Mariner will shift to center, and former Storm player Grant Anderson will start on the wing.
Maguire stated that Shibasaki retains a future with the club and anticipates his return to the starting lineup.
Shibasaki's 2025 season included a State of Origin series win, an NRL premiership with the Broncos, and an Ashes series with the Kangaroos. His defensive performance in 2026 was cited as the reason for his placement on the bench. Shibasaki is currently without a contract for 2027 and is on a league-minimum wage for 2026. Maguire clarified that the decision to bench Shibasaki is not an indication of his impending departure from the club, attributing the change solely to his defensive play.
Maguire Addresses 0-2 Start and External Criticism
The Broncos have commenced the season with an 0-2 record, having conceded 66 points across two games. The team is preparing to face the Melbourne Storm, a team described as having performed strongly.
Coach Maguire addressed ongoing criticism, including comments regarding Reynolds' post-injury travel.
He stated that the criticism has not impacted him, emphasizing his focus on his players and the team's upcoming performance.
Maguire further noted that he largely disregards external commentary, concentrating instead on building sustained success with the team, and expressed pride in the team's training efforts. Storm coach Craig Bellamy described the criticism directed at Maguire as "ridiculous." Maguire also indicated that defensive responsibility is shared across the team and that roster changes were implemented to strengthen the team's edges.