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Martin Taupau has revealed that he was left ‘dumbfounded’ by the Brisbane Broncos’ decision to tear up his contract after he liked a post on social media, appearing to criticise Michael Maguire’s training methods.
The Brisbane senior coach took over from club legend Kevin Walters at the start of the 2025 season and immediately got to work, turning his side into a premiership contender. Eyebrows were raised in pre-season after multiple Broncos players were seen working out on Wattbikes with vomit buckets placed in front of them.
Even the NRL were alarmed by the photographs. But concerns were allayed by Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy, who claimed that the club were aware of the pre-season guidelines and staff had completed additional training to ensure its players were ‘well looked after’.
However, Taupau took to Instagram to like a social media post from his former Wests Tigers team-mate Elijah Taylor.
The ex-Tigers second-row, shot a barb at Maguire’s training methods, branding them physically and emotionally excessive.
'I've come across a post (from) Footy Hacks, Elijah Taylor... sharing his thoughts and feelings on how tough the pre-season training is under [Michael] Maguire,’ Taupau told The Chad Townsend Show podcast.
Martin Taupau (pictured) has revealed that he was left ‘dumbfounded’ by the Brisbane Broncos’ decision to tear up his contract
‘At the end of it, it was as if he changed certain things, they'll be really successful,’ he added.
Taupau wasn’t wrong. After succeeding Kevin Walters late last year, Maguire has galvanised the Broncos to end their 19-year wait for a premiership.
But the 35-year-old Samoan international explained he thought nothing of the post after liking it.
'For me, to my unknowing, I just liked it and just kept going,’ Taupau said. ‘I totally forgot about it. Dropped my coffee, jumped on the scooter and went down to work.
‘Then the boys go: “Uce, you just liked this post”. And they're all covering their mouths, so I just unliked it.’
Taupau, who joined the Broncos from Manly back in 2023, told the podcast that he was shocked by the club’s decision.
'It turned. I got told you've got to have a meeting tonight to explain your actions. It didn't really click. I had the meeting to explain what had happened and I was really remorseful.
'I was aware but not fully aware of the repercussions, so it just happened and I just liked an Instagram post and that was it.'
Taupau's contract was ripped up in May after he had appeared to like a social media post slamming Broncos boss Michael Maguire's (pictured) training methods
Taupau (pictured), who has enjoyed a distinguished career in the NRL, making 256 appearances in the top flight, insisted that there was no malice behind the like, before lifting the lid on how his dismissal unfolded
'I always feel dumbfounded when I think about it,' Taupau added.
Taupau, who has enjoyed a distinguished career in the NRL, making 256 appearances in the top flight, insisted that there was no malice behind the like, before lifting the lid on how his dismissal unfolded.
'There was no intention to cause any harm to anyone. It was an innocent like as it was. So, a later meeting was called with the CEO, and I thought, let's go for a walk. Let's have a walking meeting.
'We talked it through and he said it's probably best that we mutually part ways, and thinking back to it now, I didn't give it much thought, but when you know in your heart and your body's telling you it's time to go. It's like okay, I'm happy with it.
'I wasn't angry with it at the time. I understand it. It was hard, it was a kick in the guts, it was every emotion under the sun.’
Having now had time to stop and reflect on his impromptu Broncos exit, the former New Zealand international believes that it came at the right time.
'But looking back at it, I now feel like it was God just stepping in and saying: “Okay Marty, it's time for you to put your boots down”.
'I said to my wife even before all of this happened, that I've got another two years in me because we have invested so much time and money into keeping my body in one piece and especially my brain,' Taupau added.
While Taupau (left) looked for a new job playing for the Souths Logan Magpies, a contract offer never materialised. But now the former prop forward instead throwing himself into his two businesses
While Taupau looked for a new job playing for the Souths Logan Magpies, a contract offer never materialised. But now the former prop forward is instead throwing himself into his two businesses.
He and his wife operate a consultancy firm called Disruptrs, who work with organisations including the Sydney Kings while also organising public speaking events.
Taupau also runs a stationery firm, called Not Stationary, who sells performance planners that help people stay on top of their daily tasks.
‘I feel like I’m an intern in my own business now. I feel like I’ve literally finished high school and I’ve come into the real world!’ he said, laughing.
