Tallis opens up on first interaction with Maguire since Broncos hire

Brisbane Broncos legend Gorden Tallis has turned down a peace offering from incoming coach Michael Maguire after the pair bumped into each other at the 2024 NRL Grand Final.

Tallis has been critical of Maguire’s coaching experience and ability over the last year and hasn’t backed down from his stance despite the Premiership winner taking over his former side.

The initial feud started during the 2024 Origin period but has since escalated with Tallis criticising Maguire’s ability to coach a big club, despite his recent success with both NSW and New Zealand.

“When it’s a big club you go and get the best coach and if you don’t ask Craig Bellamy, you don’t ask Ivan Cleary, (then) you don’t know,” Tallis said.

“They sacked Kevvie because he came 12th and then Madge in his last six years came 12th, 12th, 9th at the Tigers, then he got worse.

“He came 11th, 13th, then he got the wooden spoon. They’re not replacing him (Walters) with Craig Bellamy.”

‘Madge’ has a history of reuniting his team’s Old Boys with the current crop of players, leading many to speculate if Tallis would put the feud to rest for the betterment of the club.

However, Tallis revealed he turned down Madge’s offer for a coffee catch-up, stating that he hadn’t done it in the past.

“I told him, ‘I don’t drink coffee’,” Tallis told The Daily Telegraph.

“I don’t need to be friends with any coach. I never caught up with Kevvie, I don’t catch up with Des (Hasler) and I never caught up with Justin Holbrook.

“What I say is just my opinion. It’s not an opinion on behalf of the Broncos old boys. No one tells me what to say.

“I’m paid to give my opinion and when I’m asked I am just going to give my honest thoughts.”