Barely three months ago, Broncos coach Michael Maguire was copping a public beating, as pundits scrutinised his perceived stern, disciplinarian brand and training regimen.

Critics were reporting the Brisbane squad were overworked, and the hard edge the South Sydney premiership-winning mentor was seeking to implement had not taken effect.

Brisbane lost six of seven games leading into round 14, and sat 11th on the NRL ladder.

But after his side won four games despite trailing by double-digits late in the contest, Broncos winger Deine Mariner said the gruelling preseason was paying dividends.

“That month of November was crazy,” Mariner said. “Knowing we could get through that month, it is just 80 minutes that we have to put our best foot forward.

“It just gives you a bit of confidence kn

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