“I don’t drink coffee”: Tallis rejects Maguire’s peace offering following their grand final encounter.
Broncos legend Gorden Tallis has reportedly turned down an opportunity to reconcile with incoming coach Michael Maguire, continuing their ongoing feud.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Tallis and Maguire encountered each other during the Storm vs. Panthers grand final, leading to an awkward moment.
“He greeted me with, ‘G’day mate,’ shook my hand, and suggested we catch up for a coffee,” Tallis recalled.
“I told him, ‘I don’t drink coffee.’ I don’t need to be friends with any coach. I never met up with Kevvie, Des (Hasler), or Justin Holbrook.
“My opinions are my own; they don’t represent the Broncos old boys. No one tells me what to say. I’m here to give my honest thoughts when asked.”
Tallis has been a strong supporter of the sacked coach Kevin Walters, expressing his belief that Maguire isn’t the right fit for the Red Hill club.
Walters was let go after a review of Brisbane’s 2024 season, and Maguire has since signed a three-year deal for the 2025 season. Despite recently leading New Zealand to victory in the Pacific Championships and a comeback series win for the NSW Blues, Tallis remains unconvinced about Maguire’s credentials.
Just hours before their encounter, Tallis criticized Maguire’s coaching record, stating, “When you’re at a big club, you should hire the best coach. If you don’t ask Craig Bellamy or Ivan Cleary, then you don’t know.
“They sacked Kevvie for finishing 12th, but Maguire had similar results at the Tigers, finishing 12th, 12th, and 9th before getting worse. He ended up 11th and 13th and even got the wooden spoon. They’re not replacing him (Walters) with Craig Bellamy.”
