Brisbane Broncos assistant coach Ben Te’o has abruptly resigned from his position, a move that has sent shockwaves through the National Rugby League (NRL). The resignation comes amid reports of a heated disagreement with head coach Michael Maguire over defensive strategies and a blocked opportunity for Te’o to join the Queensland Maroons coaching staff.

Falling Out with Maguire

According to News.com.au, Te’o and Maguire engaged in a tense altercation regarding defensive tactics at a dinner following Brisbane’s victory over the Melbourne Storm on March 22, 2026. The dispute reportedly led to Te’o submitting his resignation just four days after the win.

The pair previously enjoyed a successful working relationship, having been together at South Sydney when they won the grand final in 2014.

State of Origin Snub

Adding to the complexity of the situation, sources indicate that Te’o was disappointed after the Broncos prevented him from accepting a role with the Queensland Maroons coaching staff for the 2026 State of Origin series. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Billy Slater approached Te’o to fill a vacancy left by Josh Hannay, who had moved to the Gold Coast Titans as head coach.

The Broncos reportedly declined the offer, as other Brisbane staff members, including assistant coach Matt Ballin, were already committed to the Queensland setup. Te’o had also expressed interest in continuing his role as the Queensland under-19s coach, a position he held in 2024, but Maguire prioritized his presence with the Broncos following a challenging start to the season.

Club Response and Future Outlook

Brisbane Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy expressed surprise at Te’o’s decision to resign. “I was very surprised that I was having that conversation yesterday,” Donaghy said, as reported by Fox NRL on Facebook. “I think we all were.”

Donaghy acknowledged the situation was unfortunate and emphasized the club’s respect for Te’o’s decision. He also noted Maguire was “pained” by the departure, given their long-standing relationship.

Te’o’s exit follows months after he turned down an offer to join the Gold Coast Titans. The Broncos are now navigating a period of turbulence, with ongoing issues surrounding player contracts and internal dynamics. The club will need to address these challenges as they aim to defend their premiership title.