Michael Maguire hits back at Cooper Cronk claim over divisive Broncos dressing room footage

nsw blues coach michael maguire has fired back at cooper cronk following comments made by the former maroons halfback about controversial footage that emerged from the queensland broncos dressing room, labelling the suggestion as “off the mark” and “disrespectful to the game”.

the footage in question, which circulated widely on social media following the broncos’ round 6 win over the raiders, showed a group of players passionately celebrating and chanting in a way that many interpreted as a nod to queensland’s state of origin culture. cooper cronk, speaking on fox league, suggested the footage highlighted a “deep-rooted cultural divide” between queensland and new south wales and used it to question the unity within maguire’s blues squad.

“when you see moments like that in a club dressing room,” cronk said, “you realise why queensland’s bond has historically been stronger. it’s embedded in their dna. nsw doesn’t have that same tribalism.”

maguire, now preparing for his first full origin campaign at the helm of nsw, didn’t take kindly to the suggestion that his players lacked unity or passion. addressing reporters at blues training on friday, he was quick to refute cronk’s interpretation and took the opportunity to defend both his squad and the culture he’s building.

“i’ve got nothing but respect for what queensland have built over the years,” maguire said. “but to suggest that our group doesn’t have the same bond, the same pride, that’s way off the mark.

“every player who pulls on the blue jersey understands the history and the responsibility that comes with it. i can assure you there’s no lack of passion or unity in our camp. i see it every day.”

maguire also questioned the timing and motivation behind cronk’s comments, implying it was part of an early mind games tactic often seen in the lead-up to origin series.

“this isn’t my first rodeo,” maguire said with a smirk. “we’re used to this sort of noise in the lead-up. people trying to poke holes in what we’re doing. that’s fine. it means we’re on the radar.”

the broncos footage was initially intended as a light-hearted insight into post-match celebrations, but it quickly drew criticism and sparked debate about the influence of state loyalties at club level. some critics argued that club dressing rooms should remain neutral territory, especially in the context of a side like brisbane, which includes players eligible for both states.

maguire, however, refused to be drawn into the politics of club allegiances.

“what happens in a club environment is their business,” he said. “my focus is on the players who choose to represent new south wales. and i can tell you they’re as committed and connected as any group i’ve ever worked with.”

the ongoing debate about the emotional edge queensland players seem to possess in origin has long been a talking point. cronk, who was part of several series wins for the maroons, has often alluded to an intangible spirit that defines the queensland camp. but maguire believes that narrative has become tired and overlooks the evolution of the blues in recent years.

“this whole idea that queensland care more, or that they somehow bleed more for their jersey, it’s a myth that’s been allowed to fester for too long,” maguire said. “we’ve got players like nathan cleary, cameron murray, isaah yio, james tedesco — guys who’ve given everything for this jersey. their commitment is second to none.”

maguire has made it clear from day one that he’s focused on instilling a hardened, no-nonsense culture within the blues — one that values toughness, accountability, and team-first mentality. insiders at the camp have praised the way maguire has quickly formed strong bonds among the squad and instilled belief following the departure of brad fittler.

cooper cronk has yet to respond to maguire’s remarks, but his initial commentary has certainly added fuel to what was already shaping up to be a fiery build-up to this year’s origin series. with game one fast approaching, the war of words between queensland legends and nsw leadership is beginning to intensify.

the blues will enter this series looking to reclaim the shield after a 2-1 loss in 2024. with new faces in camp and maguire’s uncompromising coaching style taking centre stage, expectations are high. players like matt burton, joseph suaalii, and reece robson are reportedly in the frame for selection, and maguire has promised that “the jersey will be earned, not given.”

as the state of origin rivalry continues to dominate headlines, this latest exchange between cronk and maguire adds yet another chapter to the sport’s most intense theatre. and if maguire’s response is anything to go by, the blues are taking every slight as motivation.

“if people want to question our culture, let them,” maguire said. “we’ll show who we are on the field.”

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