Duffy and Hunt have come out in defence of Madges, saying that reports he has lost dressing room are BS.
Ben Hunt said
“I re-signed assuming ‘Madge’ (Maguire) would be the coach,” he said.
“He was the one who approached me and asked if I wanted to go around again.
“It was a no-brainer. I’m excited to be here.
“He’s our coach and I’m happy to get on with it.
“It’s the Broncos, there’s always outside noise and different things going on, but I’m happy.”
Asked if Broncos players are still playing for Maguire, Hunt said:
“Yeah mate. We lost on the weekend (24-18 against the Roosters), but if you look at the game and the effort we put in, we fought hard.
“If you take anything out of that, it’s that the boys are fighting for him.
“For me, it’s his directness. He always tells me where I stand. There’s no grey area, and I’ve always loved that in a coach. He’s very clear with his players and he’s always been that way with me since I’ve been here.”
Hunt has come under fire for playing on beyond his 37th birthday next season but the 366-game champion is adamant his body can withstand a 19th season of NRL in 2027.
“I’m excited to go around with this club again,” he said.
“I love playing footy and I still feel like I can play on.
“Madge came to me and asked if I was interested in going around again, and as soon as he did, it was a no-brainer. I’m still feeling good, enjoying my footy, I love this club and I want to be here.
“I always love playing halfback, so to get another opportunity there (against the Sharks), I’m really excited.
“If we can take another step this week and build on what we did last week, that will be good.”
Tom Duffy said
“I’ve just re-signed for two years and ‘Dozer’ (Hunt) has extended as well,” he said.
“I love playing under Madge.
“It’s been a really good change from up north for me.
“It’s a refreshing club with different people around, and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’m so happy to be here for another two years.
“In my experience, every player just wants to know where they stand, and Madge gives you that.
“I think that’s one of his strengths.
“Ninety per cent of the players I’ve been around at different clubs just want to be told where they stand, and Madge is really good at that.”