In the wake of a tumultuous 2024 season marked by underwhelming on-field results and troubling off-field incidents, the Brisbane Broncos are undertaking a significant overhaul of their football department in a bid to drive culture change and elevate performance standards.
Football Department Restructure
Central to the transformation is the appointment of highly regarded rugby league figure Troy Thomson as the club’s new football operations manager, replacing Joe McDermott. Thomson brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, seen as crucial in supporting rookie head coach Michael Maguire.
Alongside Thomson’s appointment, the Broncos have also advertised for a general manager of football to oversee the entire football program. This role is similar to the one briefly held by Ben Ikin and reflects the club’s recognition of the need for strong, focused leadership.
I think we’ve got some real culture challenges. We’ve had some culture challenges across the course of this year.
– Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy
Addressing Culture Issues
The impetus for change comes after a season marred by incidents like the Ezra Mam car crash, where the young five-eighth allegedly tested positive to a roadside drug test while driving unlicensed, and a pre-season drunken wrestle between senior players Pat Carrigan and Adam Reynolds.
These episodes, coupled with the team’s disappointing 12th-place finish, have underscored the urgent need to address cultural and behavioral standards within the playing group and broader football department.
We’ve looked to invest in really strong leadership and we’ll continue to invest in strong leadership.
– Dave Donaghy
Scope of the Football Program
The scale of the Broncos’ football operations is immense, encompassing not just the NRL and NRLW teams, but also two academy programs, three affiliate clubs, and extensive game development initiatives that engage with over 50,000 kids annually across dozens of junior clubs.
Managing this vast ecosystem, along with the scrutiny and pressure that comes with the NRL program, is seen as too much for a single individual to oversee effectively. The introduction of the GM of football role and Thomson’s specific focus on NRL operations aim to provide the necessary leadership and attention to drive the club forward.
Investing in High Performance
The Broncos have made no secret of their desire to invest heavily in the football department, recognizing it as the core of the club’s identity and success. From grassroots programs to elite-level performance, the goal is to create an environment that fosters growth, accountability, and a winning culture.
Just given the focus and scrutiny on the NRL program, we felt it was too much to have one person really attached to that when we’ve got such a wide, vast football program.
– Dave Donaghy
With Thomson and the incoming GM of football at the helm, supported by Maguire and his coaching staff, the Broncos are confident they have the right pieces in place to drive the necessary change and restore the club to its former glory.
However, the road ahead is unlikely to be smooth. Transforming culture and performance takes time, and the Broncos will need to demonstrate resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to their vision if they are to reap the rewards of this football department overhaul.
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Red Hill to see if this bold restructure pays dividends on and off the field. For long-suffering Broncos fans, the hope is that this marks the beginning of a new era of success and pride for one of the NRL’s most storied clubs.
