Coaching in the NRL is a high-pressure job, with the risk of being axed always looming. At the midpoint of the 2025 season, the spotlight is on several coaches facing scrutiny. With new faces at the helm of four clubs this season, the competition is fierce, led by experienced mentors.
One such coach feeling the heat is Michael Maguire, who took over the Brisbane Broncos from Kevin Walters. Maguire’s tough coaching style has not yielded the desired results, with the Broncos struggling and players failing to respond. Sitting at 11th place, Maguire faces challenges as the team’s performance declines each week, raising concerns about his future.
Adam O’Brien of the Newcastle Knights is also under pressure, with the team languishing at the bottom of the ladder. O’Brien’s decision to sideline Jackson Hastings has stirred controversies among senior players, impacting team dynamics and on-field results. The Knights’ offensive struggles highlight the urgency for O’Brien to turn the tide and secure his coaching position.
Des Hasler’s tenure at the Gold Coast Titans has been rocky, with the team’s poor performance placing him in a precarious position. Despite past successes at other clubs, Hasler’s inability to replicate that winning formula at the Titans has raised doubts about his future. The pressure mounts as a contractual clause stipulates a top-eight finish for Hasler to retain his coaching role in 2026.
Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall faced challenges in his debut season, culminating in a wooden spoon finish. Despite signs of improvement in 2025, a recent string of losses has put Marshall under scrutiny. The unresolved Lachlan Galvin situation has added to the team’s distractions, underscoring the need for a turnaround to secure Marshall’s coaching position.
Anthony Seibold’s tenure at the Sea Eagles has seen mixed results, with the team’s inconsistent performance keeping him on edge. Although a recent victory provided some relief, Seibold faces challenges with key players’ form and availability. With Daly Cherry-Evans set to depart and star player Tom Trbojevic battling injuries, Seibold must navigate these hurdles to achieve a top-eight finish.
Coaching changes are not uncommon in the NRL, with clubs parting ways with head coaches frequently over the years. The demanding nature of the job requires resilience and adaptability to succeed in a competitive environment. As the 2025 season unfolds, these coaches face the daunting task of steering their teams to success amidst mounting pressure and expectations.
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