- Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan live on the Gold Coast
- Understood that Broncos want players in Brisbane
- Would provide ‘connectivity’ for the play group
Broncos officials have raised concerns internally about a number of their stars being on the glitter strip of the Gold Coast.
The club’s high-performing staff believe the regular 160km return flights from Brisbane’s Red Hill to Australia’s most notorious party hub could undermine the team’s performance.
Players who call the Gold Coast home include vice-captain Pat Carrigan, superstar fullback Reece Walsh and winger Jesse Arthars.
Broncos giant Corey Parker doesn’t believe life on the Glitter Strip is fraught with danger for new coach Michael Maguire’s men.
“My personal vision is live wherever you want, who cares?” Parker told News Corp.
‘Why should it matter? If it affects the team, maybe you should look into it.
“You [just] must ensure that you perform and do your job as a professional athlete.
“I don’t see why this should be a problem.”
Broncos officials have raised concerns internally about some of their stars, such as Reece Walsh (pictured right with teammate Ezra Mam) commuting from the Gold Coast for training
Vice-captain Pat Carrigan (pictured with Reece Walsh’s daughter) is another Broncos player who calls the Gold Coast home
Broncos great Corey Parker (pictured with wife Margaux) doesn’t believe life on the Glitter Strip is full of dangers
Since replacing Kevin Walters at the end of September, Maguire has stressed that connectivity is key – and has identified rivals Penrith as the blueprint to follow.
With fifth-eighth Ezra Mam facing an uncertain future while in rehab, Maguire admitted the club would love to have Ben Hunt on their books.
“Ben is a world-class player and has a lot of experience,” he said.
“We all know what he is capable of and what he would bring to this place.
“We’re putting it through Australian space this week [ahead of the Pacific Championship final against Tonga]and then he’ll probably sit down and figure out what he wants to do.
“But someone of Ben’s caliber coming to the team would be absolutely fantastic.”
Maguire has been setting the tone in pre-season by conducting fitness sessions in the Brisbane heat, with a deliberate ploy to make the playing group realize the high standards he has.