Michael Maguire took up the reins at the Brisbane Broncos this season, taking over from Kevin Walters after a winning effort in last year's State of Origin.
But it hasn't been smooth sailing for Madge in his first year at Red Hill, with his side sitting outside the top eight with a 5-6 record through 11 rounds.
With reports of discontent from the playing group with Maguire's style, one of his former players has suggested a mindset shift is needed in order to get the best out of the esteemed coach.
Brandon Smith addresses Broncos' Michael Maguire growing pains
New Rabbitohs recruit Brandon Smith has said that the Brisbane Broncos will need to adjust their mentality in order to flourish under their new coach.
Smith, who was coached by Maguire during his time with the New Zealand national team, said on James Graham’s ‘The Bye Round’ podcast that he was also not a huge fan of the coach, but over time he was won over by the hardcore training style.
"It’s a tough one. I also had the issues with Madge and other players had issues with Madge," Smith said.
"But when you’re in Kiwis it’s different. You feel like a tour, it’s different to being in an NRL team with a full-time coach and they were hard trainings compared to our other tours.
"I feel like once we got over the time under Madge, once I and other players got over that and bought into what he was trying to do with us and really bit the bullet and did everything, no complaints, that’s when we started to elevate as a team.
"Maybe that’s what needs to go on at the Broncos. Maybe a few of them haven’t bought into what Madge is about and instead of seeing what the benefits are you’re looking at the negative side of things and that happens in every rugby league team.
"Say you’re training a long day, you’re upset at the coach for that and then you grow this little bit of resentment towards the coach. That happened with me with Madge at the Kiwis.
"It was hard until you grow that little bit but once you finally f***ing go, ‘I’m actually getting paid well to do this... it’s not that hard that I’m going to die. It’s just hard compared to what the norm was’. I reckon that’s exactly what’s going on at the Broncos. But that’s just my opinion and I feel like not all of them have bought into what he’s about."
The Broncos will enjoy a bye in Round 12, before they look to turn their season around a week later when they face the Manly Sea Eagles at Brookvale.