Madge's first priority is to keep himself in a job. His first item of business is to win over the dressing room.
He will need to observe the playing group. Determine the factions, whether there's a serious split that's causing dysfunction on the field. Notably, between Reynolds and Carrigan.
The "rockstar" behaviour will look after itself if it's earned. The club wants its players to be stars. Just not to act like they're more important than the coach.
Fairly early on he'll need to weed down his hookers, if for no other reason than to free up some cap space.
He poached Billy from Melbourne, so there should be no bad blood there. But he's still a potential problem. At first sight, Billy is either grossly underpaid, or did not deserve to be the number one pick every week. Something is wrong in that picture, and if, as many suspect, money was being laundered through his father, say through performance bonuses, that must end. And then there's the bad blood from sacking his father. He could do without being whiteanted in another Darius Boyd situation.
I would honour Billy's contract but allow him to speak to other clubs. Benji is a fan. He might take him. That would be better all round. Preferably before he's dropped to Cup.
But Mozer is a bigger priority. He needs to be escalated rapidly to an 80 minute NRL grade hooker, who can tacklebot as required. He's not in that class yet.
Neither Smoothy nor Paix are safe, but he should keep one.
www.broncos.com.au
www.foxsports.com.au
