2025 Pre-season discussion. Training the house down.

[Fernando]

It was an accident. You don't get penalized for having an accident. Any penalty would be related to intoxication (the extent to which has not been established), drugs possession (hasn't been raised), driving without a licence.

Here's what Selwyn got for the latter:

Broncos Statement: Selwyn Cobbo

Broncos player Selwyn Cobbo has been disqualified from driving for six months and fined $700 with no conviction recorded after appearing in Nanango court today on road offences.

www.broncos.com.au

Walsh got a 2 match suspension for drug possession, and making a dick of himself while intoxicated:

‘Ashamed’ Walsh fined, placed on good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to drug charge

‘Ashamed’ Walsh fined, placed on good behaviour bond after pleading guilty to drug charge

www.foxsports.com.au

It still seems quite possible that he is charged for the manner of his driving, I guess we'll see. And when you stack those incidents on top of each other and involve members of the public in the manner he has than obviously the severity of the punishment should be more severe than those incidents in isolation.

 

[McHunt]

It still seems quite possible that he is charged for the manner of his driving, I guess we'll see. And when you stack those incidents on top of each other and involve members of the public in the manner he has than obviously the severity of the punishment should be more severe than those incidents in isolation.

It's really only to appease the fans who need to see blood. The Hand of Law is coming down on him, regardless.

 

[Gaz]

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.

Already told Paix not to go anywhere.

 

[mitch222]

Madge's first day at work.

I thought he started on Wednesday

 

[McHunt]

I thought he started on Wednesday

If we can take Peter Badel's word for it, you might be right.

 

[theshed]

Madge's first day at work.

Good luck

 

[McHunt]

Good luck

First week, as it transpires (thanks Craddock). Doesn't need to show up until Wednesday.

 

[Sproj]

Well I hope he is leading by example and turning up early.

 

[BroncosFever]

Poor old Billy, the bashing continues.

Oh no hang on, it was all about Kev, wasn't it?

 

[McHunt]

Poor old Billy, the bashing continues.

Oh no hang on, it was all about Kev, wasn't it?

What specifically did I say about Billy that made you lose control of your bladder, this time?

 

[Xzei]

I couldn't think of an easier salary cap rort to pull off than this one. No chance of ever getting busted. Everyone wins.

Something the clearys might be upto maybe?

 

[McHunt]

Something the clearys might be upto maybe?

I guess. Nathan's supposed to be underpaid, too, isn't he?

 

[Xzei]

I guess. Nathan's supposed to be underpaid, too, isn't he?

Yeah less and less each year till the end of his contract

 

[Redfern_1980]

Alfie has been axed from your football department - now official. Madge getting rid of the unwanted influences by the look. Smart move.

 

[Sproj]

Alfie has been axed from your football department - now official. Madge getting rid of the unwanted influences by the look. Smart move.

Had to happen. The purge is going to take a lot with it. It is a bold direction, it is going to set us up for success again or will completely destroy whatever is left of our once great club.

I'm personal supportive though, very happy to see us get cut throat. It is why I also won't be sad if we do cut Mam and perhaps even lose Walsh. Yes it will massively suck in the short term but I'm hoping will help us finally enter the age of professionalism. These blokes have no idea how good they have it compared to your average Joe.

 

[Redfern_1980]

Had to happen. The purge is going to take a lot with it. It is a bold direction, it is going to set us up for success again or will completely destroy whatever is left of our once great club.

Yeah I think Alfie was far too close in terms of friendship with Kev for it to work and him remain around the fellas with Madge in charge. It would be like getting married and taking your ex wife on honeymoon with you.

 

[BroncsFan]

Alfie has been axed from your football department - now official. Madge getting rid of the unwanted influences by the look. Smart move.

It will be interesting to see the impacts of this.

Alfie basically personifies the culture of the club from the 90's in terms of being a larrikin and I wonder how much his personality can align with personalities of the coaches.

I would say he lined up with Bennett and Kevvie, most likely with Hook as well... so Alfie is able to be an easier extension of the coach's messaging, etc.

But was he able to align with a more technical coach like Seibold and now Maguire... even Henjack.

I dont necessarily think Madge sacked Alfie either... feel like it's way too soon in his tenure to see a guy like Alfie, who has been in his role for so long, as someone he can't work with.

Feels like Alfie probably made the call... allows the club to have a real cutting of the chord from the 90's golden era

 

[Redfern_1980]

It will be interesting to see the impacts of this.

Alfie basically personifies the culture of the club from the 90's in terms of being a larrikin and I wonder how much his personality can align with personalities of the coaches.

I would say he lined up with Bennett and Kevvie, most likely with Hook as well... so Alfie is able to be an easier extension of the coach's messaging, etc.

But was he able to align with a more technical coach like Seibold and now Maguire... even Henjack.

I dont necessarily think Madge sacked Alfie either... feel like it's way too soon in his tenure to see a guy like Alfie, who has been in his role for so long, as someone he can't work with.

Feels like Alfie probably made the call... allows the club to have a real cutting of the chord from the 90's golden era

According to the article, Alf was considering handing in his resignation but it appears the club/and or Madge took the decision out of his hands. He will remain as a Club Ambassador to hang out with sponsors on game day etc.

Madge is ruthless, he doesn't mess about to acheive what he thinks is required for success. Don't be fooled by the outwardly, touchy feely nice guy in his past couple of interviews, the bloke would sack his own grandmother from babysitting his kids if he thought that was needed.

From the article: "Broncos hierarchy will move Langer away from the football department and offer him a role as a corporate ambassador, working with sponsors, given his stature at the club".