The Brisbane Broncos continue their losing ways after being dominated 40-6 by the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday night.
It took 60 minutes for the home side to score a try, as the Warriors went on a 36-0 run.
Chanel Harris-Tavita had an impressive performance in the Warriors' win, taking over the halfback role after Luke Metcalf injured his right hamstring.
Metcalf would be taken off the field after missing the conversion following Alofiana Khan-Pereira's try in the 18th minute.
For Michael Maguire, his side conceded seven tries, and the coach was brutally straightforward about how his side played in front of their home fans.
“Not good enough, just plain and simple. We won't want to do that next weekend because we'll cop the same. It was really disappointing, that one. We're not playing the style that we know we've practised,” he said in the post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, Patrick Carrigan, who was the captain of his side, was asked whether he believes there is motivation within the playing group.
His coach stepped in to answer before Carrigan could.
“I reckon that's garbage. We're playing the team next week (Canberra) that's in the same boat. We're playing for the Broncos,” Maguire said.
“It's easy to motivate people when you're playing for the Broncos. They're playing for a very good club.”
Maguire was inspired by Ricky Stuart and the Raiders, who caused an upset against the Sharks in Cronulla, winning 24-20, despite being ruled out of finals contention.
The Broncos coach made a clear reminder about who his side is playing for and insisted that every player needs to reflect deeply about their performances and motivations.
“The boys are playing for the Broncos jersey that they wear. That is not good enough. I normally keep calm at these things. We need to have a good hard look at ourselves,” he said.
Reece Walsh had a high ankle sprain injury when he was put in a awkward position from a hip-drop tackle by Warriors star Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
When asked about Reece Walsh's high ankle sprain injury, Maguire said, “I'm more concerned about our performance.”
Maguire would proceed to storm out of the press conference when it ended
The club can still end up last on the ladder if the Dragons win on Sunday afternoon against the Wests Tigers, as the Broncos are having the worst premiership-defending season since Wests in 1953.
After the Broncos take a trip to Canberra, they head home to play the Melbourne Storm in Round 26 and conclude their season at Accor Stadium against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
