Maguire launches cross-code mentorship to aid Broncos' 2026 title defense

Michael Maguire, the premiership-winning coach, has revealed a passion project he hopes will complement Brisbane Broncos' bid to defend the NRL title in 2026. The 51-year-old has long harbored an interest in Supercars, and he has now teamed up with rising star Broc Feeney in a mentoring role alongside Triple Eight Race Engineering teammate Will Brown.

"I was very fortunate to spend time with many of the drivers at the Gold Coast 500," Maguire told News Corp. "I'm a big fan of how each of the teams go about their race day. The different strategies are really interesting to watch. I've definitely bonded with Broc in particular as he's a huge Broncos fan...and I'm really looking forward to exchanging ideas on high performance and helping him where I can."

Feeney was impressed by the V8 driving skills of the footy players - and says he is humbled to be working with Maguire. "I'm absolutely thrilled to have someone like Michael Maguire not only take an interest in what I do, but also offer advice and support," he said. "He is one of the best minds in Australian sport and has done it all in rugby league, so to have him involved with the team is awesome. I am also a big Broncos fan, so it is very cool."

The week also featured footy stars Ben Hunt, Patrick Carrigan, Jesse Arthars and Corey Jensen enjoying a day out at the Norwell Motorplex in Queensland with Feeney, underscoring the cross-code connections the mentoring alliance aims to foster. Maguire’s involvement signals a broader push to blend high-performance principles across sports beyond rugby league, as clubs seek new ways to sharpen preparation and strategic thinking.

Brisbane open their premiership defence with a blockbuster clash against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium on March 6. TAB has the Broncos as premiership favourites at $5, slightly ahead of the Panthers at $6, with the Roosters and Melbourne Storm both listed at $7. The grand final rematch against Melbourne is scheduled for round three at AAMI Park on March 20. The 2026 NRL season kicks off in Las Vegas on March 1 with a double header, featuring the Knights vs. Cowboys and the Bulldogs vs. Dragons at Allegiant Stadium.