Whilst Rugby League has developed an affinity with Las Vegas, it often imitates some of the best scripted drama that Hollywood has to offer.
Each episode tends to have a theme that ties it together, and in rugby league this week, that theme centres around ego and reputation.
Whilst the main story arc centres around Origin, we begin with our side plot set in the Sunshine State, enter Michael Maguires
He’s the hard-nosed coach who enjoyed redemption through the ultimate cauldron, picked up from the clubland scrap heap. But this newest test is unlike any other – a man, a phone and a like button…coming this summer “Out Now Taupau”.
What would seem to most of us as a rather tame action from Brisbane Broncos veteran Martin Taupau, namely liking an Instagram post critical of Maguire’s coaching methods, has seen his contract torn up.
I wouldn’t exactly call this an ‘Easter Egg’. After all, Maguire apparently has no issues in reinstating Ezra Mam after his indiscretions, which you know, could have killed people.
If it’s not personal, does it count?
Maguire does have form in this department. During his tenure at South Sydney, there were several serious incidents, such as Kirisome Auva’a, who pleaded guilty to domestic violence.
The incident occurred in early 2014. The club certainly would have known about it. Auva’a still played the bulk of the season, including the Grand Final. In 2015, still under Maguire, he was offered an extension until 2018. This is just one example.
You can say I’m cherry picking, but I’m trying to illustrate that Taupau’s termination can’t be about ethics and culture; it can only be about ego.
“My methods cannot be questioned!
Except for the fact that for as long as Madge has been a coach, his coaching methods have indeed been questioned. For someone renowned as being so hard-lined, it’s curious that such an innocuous action would be grounds for dismissal.
Speaking of curious, let’s get to the main plot point.
Cane toads versus cockroaches, and haven’t some egos been crushed here!
It is an understatement to say that NSW coach Laurie Daley has left a few folks scratching their heads. Perhaps it’s more appropriate to suggest he’s made a few fans throw their Blues jerseys in the bin.
Ego is the enemy, and the reputation can precede us
It’s an unfortunate two-pronged stab into the representative aspirations of Terrell May.
For what it’s worth, I am firmly in the camp that believes there is nothing more May could have done to have been selected. I think he’s been the best prop in the game outside of Payne Haas. His impact has been a major factor in the Tigers’ resurgence and statistically, he has been brilliant
He outperforms Max King, Mitch Barnett, Stefano Utoikamanu and Spencer Leniu in average metres, average tackle breaks, offloads and tackle efficiency.
May is tackling at 98%. Daley’s arguments about defensive lapses do not stack up.
Unfortunately for May, his ‘reputation’ – which is still merely something that is alluded to instead of anything actually coming to light – has assisted in his undoing.
His outburst during a gaming live stream at his likely snub also does him no favours. It’s ironic that perhaps the most humble man in league, Max King, is the man who got the nod.
Humility is often rewarded. Ego is, and say it with me, the enemy.
Reputation is also apparently an important metric for Daley, and for many others.
Throughout the selection process, the constant narrative has been; Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, or Cleary and Mitch Moses.
Why has it never been Moses and Luai, you know, the ones who actually got the job done?
No disrespect to Cleary, he’s a four-time premiership winner who has been so dominant at NRL level for so long.
But so is Luai.
When it comes to the Origin arena, Cleary has never produced a dominant performance. In fact there are very few moments of Cleary’s Origin career that even come to mind.
You don’t have to think too hard or go back too far to look at a defining moment for Luai. Game three 2024, he was the man who broke things open, a brilliant run down the left-hand side to set up a pivotal try deep in the contest.
A try that turned the game and prevented yet another long-form streak for Queensland.
And for Moses? Despite only playing as a backup selection to date and rarely as the first choice, he’s produced the most dominant display at Origin level of the three, namely game two last year in which he delivered four try assists and an unrivalled kicking game.
But due to reputation, and certainly not form in 2025, Cleary has the nod, and everyone else must play second fiddle.
At least the likes of May can learn from Luai though.
His non-selection was met by a reflection of “I heard what I needed to hear. And I am content with it because I know I am in control of the selection at the end of the day.”
Whilst that might not be the truth, the humility in Luai’s response is something that has cut through, and it’s a piece of professionalism that’s worth following – for player or coach
