Worked out for everyone: Reynolds’ Broncos move hailed

Joel Gould | April 28, 2023

When Kevin Walters visited Adam Reynolds in his family home in Sydney to secure him from South Sydney on a three-year deal it was an NRL recruitment coup that has since transformed the Brisbane Broncos.

Scott Sattler, son of the late Rabbitohs legend John Sattler, told AAP it was a move that had ultimately worked out well for both clubs, despite early angst from Souths fans about losing one of their favourite sons.

Broncos captain Reynolds, 32, will play against his former club on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium with rival halfback Lachlan Ilias firmly entrenched in the Rabbitohs No.7 jersey which 2014 premiership winner Reynolds wore with such distinction.

“While Souths didn’t want to let one of their proudest sons Adam go, they had to for the sake of holding onto a kid in Lachlan Ilias who they believe will take them forward for the next 12 years,” Sattler said.

“It was perfect timing for the Broncos to get Adam to play alongside a group of young players who have now played 50 or 60 first grade games and understand what playing NRL is all about.

“Now they have this little conductor teaching them the finer art of war.

“It has worked out best for everyone involved. Souths were able to keep a wonderful young man in an important position and they provided a first-class marquee player to the Broncos who were searching for that missing link.”

Reynolds wanted a longer-term deal than the Rabbitohs were prepared to offer him before he joined Brisbane ahead of the 2022 season..

“Souths made the tough call the good clubs make for the betterment of their future, even if they don’t in one sense agree with it,” Sattler said.

“Souths’ biggest fear was that they would have Adam for a maximum of two years but lose Lachlan to another club.

“Lachlan and Adam play a similar style of football and I think Souths recognised that.”

Reynolds has guided the Broncos to the top of the table and Walters said there was more to come.

“He is still leaving an imprint. I feel Adam’s best football is still in front of him,” Walters said.

“I feel like, not so much that Souths let him go, but we went down there to get him.

“We went after him hard because we needed his leadership, rugby league brains and experience. 

“He has been so good for so many players in our club. He has been great for the coaching staff as well.”

Sattler said Reynolds’ decision had been smart on several fronts.

“He is a real chance of winning the premiership this year and not too many players get to win comps at two different clubs.

“He has come to Brisbane on good money and, take the football out of it, he has brought his family to an easier lifestyle and a perfect place to raise young children.”

When Reynolds scored a try against the Rabbitohs last year in a 32-12 win in Sydney he proudly thumped the Broncos badge on his chest.

“We are thrilled he is playing against his former club,” Walters said.

“I remember when I changed clubs (from Canberra to Brisbane) you want to win and you want to do well…to show everyone the player you are.”