Adam Reynolds says he will be “touch and go” for the Broncos’ round-eight clash with Wests Tigers, but harbours no doubts he will be able to see out his 2025 deal.
The Brisbane halfback and captain cut a forlorn figure in his side’s sheds at half-time on Friday, reduced to tears as another injury setback halted his comeback during the two-point loss to the Storm.
Having just returned from a knee concern, the minor hamstring setback would probably rule him out for three weeks.
Reynolds was adamant he had not made his way back to the field too soon given it was a separate injury, but admitted he struggled emotionally at the thought of further fitness concerns.
But the 33-year-old said another stint on the sidelines would not deter him from continuing in the NRL next year.
“I wouldn’t have signed it if I didn’t think I was confident. I’m a team player, I never want to let the team down, and I won’t take the field unless I know I’m willing to give 100 per cent and know that I can get my job done for the team,” Reynolds said.
“I was just frustrated. When you get one injury, then come back you want to string a few games together.
“To know you’re not going to be out there for the 40 minutes the frustration came out that way, and you feel like you let your team down.”
In his absence, Reynolds threw his support behind understudy Jock Madden, in his first outing of the year against Penrith.
The skipper believed Madden’s time with the Broncos had been marred by daunting circumstances – never able to play with a full-strength team against confronting opposition – and expressed his confidence the 26-year-old would make an impression in Friday’s Battle of Brisbane with the Dolphins.
While Reynolds will remain in the casualty ward with star prop Payne Haas, promising edge forward Brendan Piakura and boom winger Deine Mariner, Brisbane will be boosted by the return of Reece Walsh ahead of schedule.
The State of Origin No.1 was expected to be out for at least four weeks since suffering a facial fracture against the Panthers, but has been training extensively.
Broncos veteran Corey Oates, who will replace Mariner on the wing, said Walsh would not return if he held any worries about suffering the same fate.
Penrith centre Taylan May escaped suspension coming out of the defensive line to make the tackle, despite NRL head of football Graham Annesley’s assertion a sanction should have occurred.
“It’s part of the game, it’s never a good look when someone breaks a bone, especially their face, but sometimes they are accidental, those things happen,” Oates said.
“I don’t think he’ll be coming back if he’s got any worries about his face. The last thing you need to do is be worrying about re-injuring something you just got.
“If he does get clearance, and he does play, he’s got to make sure his mind is completely clear about all that and just plays with confidence.
“He’s going to bring the spark that everyone calls it, I don’t think that’s any question. You don’t know sometimes what he’s going to do, but whatever it is it’s always pretty special.”
Sydney Morning Herald
