Brisbane prop Martin Tapau says he regrets "liking" an Instagram post that criticised the coaching methods of Michael Maguire.
The 35-year-old, who has played just the one NRL game this year, appeared to endorse a lashing of the Broncos coach by former New Zealand international Elijah Taylor, who played under Maguire at Wests Tigers.
After four losses in the past five games, Maguire has been accused of over-training the players and being too intense during the week, leaving them flat for games. It's a subject Taylor addressed in a social media post.
"A lot of people are asking me what's wrong with Madge (Maguire) and what's wrong with the Broncos," Taylor, the 186-game NRL veteran, said.
"One, it's his intensity. I've never seen a coach ride the game so hard.
"After a win the world is a better place.
"After a loss you're off to a funeral and someone will be getting cooked at the video session.
"Two, training methods. Ninety-five per cent of the time on the field it's full contact.
"You haven't done an NRL pre-season until you have done a Michael Maguire pre-season.
"Three, time efficiency. Let's have a meeting for a meeting for a meeting. I'd get home from training and the kids don't know who I am anymore."
Taupau "liked" the post, but wished he hadn't.
"Today I liked a video by Elijah Taylor talking about Michael Maguire's coaching methods," Taupau said in a statement.
"I regret this as it was not my intention to endorse the video. I removed the like immediately after.
"I want to make it clear. I am thoroughly enjoying being coached by coach Michael Maguire and will continue to do whatever I can to help the Broncos win a premiership in 2025."
Brisbane prop Pat Carrigan addressed the Taupau post.
"I think internally we are dealing with that at the moment. Marty released a statement, he has made a mistake around those sorts of things," Carrigan said.
"We know where we are going as a club. We are all buying in. We know we have to train hard and we know we have to do the things to get where we want to be and that's be a premiership team.
"Marty has addressed it. As a teammate I will support him, but also where we want to go as a club. We know what we are in for and we are well and truly signed up for it.
"I spoke to him last night. We are dealing with him internally. He released a statement saying he is apologetic."
