Reynolds insists extension won’t break up Broncos gang
Joel Gould |
Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds is convinced the Broncos will be able to afford to extend his deal and keep other off-contract rising stars on the books.
The 34-year-old said it was “well documented” he wanted to play on in 2026 but he added that he was of the belief it would not be at the expense of rising young guns.
Whether that transpires as he predicts is anyone’s guess as regular top 17 players Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington, Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo are yet to have extensions confirmed.
AAP has been told the salary cap squeeze is real, particularly if the NRL rules Reynolds cannot be registered for a modest fee under the cap next year.
“I’m pretty confident that everyone can stay at the club,” Reynolds said.
“I feel like the club’s in a great position to achieve some success and obviously I want to be a part of that.
“I want all the younger boys to be a part of that. I don’t think me staying forces anyone out and if it does, that’s not what I mean to do .”
The 34-year-old will take on his former club South Sydney, where he won the 2014 title, away on Friday night.
The Rabbitohs elected to make a short-term offer to Reynolds at the end of 2021. He took a long-term deal at the Broncos instead.
Ahead of a clash with the Rabbitohs he was not prepared to stoke any fires, but instead was genuinely grateful.
“I love Souths. I’ve got a lot of history with Souths and I respect that place enormously,” he said.
“What they thought at the time (in 2021) might have been the right decision. It could have worked out extremely well. They had a young kid (Lachlan Ilias) waiting to play first grade and I believe he’s a first grader.
“Things turned out a bit different. It’s easy to write from the other side of the page there but they had a decision to make. I had a decision to make and we’re still on good terms.
“I still highly respect everyone in that place and that will continue.”
Reynolds was off his game last week in the loss to Penrith but he still jointly leads the NRL this season for try assists with 10. It’s why playing on makes sense.
“I’m happy with how my game’s going at the moment, albeit last week was a bit of a hiccup, but I still feel like I’ve got a lot to give,” he said.
“I’m enjoying myself and I think when you get the ingredients right, there’s no reason why you can’t go on.
“Last week it was well below par and I need to make sure that I get my own backyard sorted and do my part for the team.
“If I keep playing like that, no-one will want me. I’ll be playing local footy. Obviously that (contract will) solve itself in the background.”
The fifth-placed Broncos are not underestimating the injury-ravaged Rabbitohs, coached by Reynolds’ former mentor Wayne Bennett.
“I know Wayne will have the team up for this game,” Reynolds said.
“Everyone’s saying they’ve got nothing to lose, with obviously all the injuries and whatnot, but they still possess a quality team with a great coach who can get them up for any game, let alone one against his former club.”
AAP
