The Broncos went down 32-22 to the Raiders in Round 2, with Ricky Stuart’s forward pack proving to be the difference in an ambush in the nation’s capital.
Speaking post-match, Maguire blamed himself for the surprising loss, saying: “I really learnt a lot and I will be able to chat with my players and go from there”.
Tallis has now called for Maguire to abandon his pre-season front row switch for Pat Carrigan and instead call on a hulking 22-year-old enforcer.
“If Payne Haas and Carrigan get stopped this is going to be (trouble for) the Broncos. Brisbane are lacking a big man in the middle,” Tallis said on Triple M.
“I know they have Payne but they need a one-two punch. Willison needs to start. They need him out there. They are a small pack. Carrigan is not a front-rower’s size.
“No disrespect to him. He is a great lock. When you play against bigger sides for some reason it just takes it out of you.’’
Tallis also was of the belief Maguire’s young side were unable to find another gear when momentum is against them.
“I think there is a problem with their mental ability to hang in games when it does not go in their favour,’’ he said.
“They are a really young squad but when it is not going your way you cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater.’’
Maguire himself also explained that his side “didn’t react hard or fast enough” when the Raiders flew out of the blocks at GIO Stadium.
“That’s the NRL, you have to turn up for every single game, it’s a good lesson for us,” Maguire said.
“Welcome to playing in the NRL, if you don’t quite get your mark right from the start, we just didn’t capitalise on being able to get back in the game the way we know we can play.
“It will be good for myself to observe and work with the group… there was a lot of hype last week… we got jumped early and they put a bit more energy into what they were doing.”
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