Payne Haas has rubbished claims Michael Maguire is training his Brisbane team too hard after one of the coach’s former players criticised his methods.

The Broncos have appeared lacking in energy, particularly in the second half of matches, during their rough trot of four losses from the past five.

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 former New Zealand international Elijah Taylor addressed in a video posted to Instagram — and it was liked by current Broncos forward Martin Taupau.

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Taylor played under Maguire at the Wests Tigers during his 186-game NRL career.

“A lot of people are asking me what’s wrong with Madge (Maguire) and what’s wrong with the Broncos,” Taylor 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 any more.”

Haas is one of the Broncos’ best trainers and knows what hard work looks like. When asked about claims of over-training by the coach he shot them down quickly.

“You guys are making up some stuff, it doesn’t come from any of us,” he said.

“We enjoy being here and enjoy training hard. We just haven’t got the results. If we win it all goes away.”

Haas disputed there was player unrest or that Maguire had lost the faith of the playing group.

“I think it’s bollocks. We have got his back,” Haas said.

“Everyone has got belief in this group and what he does with us. We support him 100 per cent.

“I feel like the boys trained well the other day and Madge has been pretty positive. He is confident in our group and he has high belief in our group, so he has been good.”

Brisbane’s training in the pre-season was gruelling and several players were in clear discomfort during sessions in the warmer months.

The side has been accused of having a soft underbelly and Maguire has tried to toughen that up. None of the players in interviews have complained although gripes have filtered to media through third parties.

Taylor’s post was lengthy but he said Maguire would have to change for the side to reach their potential.

“If Madge can clean that up, I’m sure he can turn the Broncos season around,” he said.

Maguire has got the best out of Haas this year, as he did last season as coach of the NSW side.

“He just puts his faith in you. He expects you to do the job,” Haas said.

The Broncos host St George Illawarra on Sunday afternoon in search of a vital win before they have the bye.