The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed that captain Adam Reynolds has played his final NRL after failing to overcome an ongoing calf injury.
The veteran halfback will retire effective immediately after he failing to convince coach Michael Maguire in a Monday fitness test, which Maguire had previously confirmed would be the determining factor in his availability for the side’s final two matches.
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Reynolds confirmed he completed the session but Maguire informed him that he would not be selected to play after Brisbane’s medical staff raised concerns about his ability to complete the game without injury.
It is understood Reynolds was open to playing the Broncos’ last home game of the season from the bench.
“It’s sort of all new news to me. Obviously had a bit of training today, got through that fine,” he said on NRL 360.
“I felt like that was good but after having conversation with Madge and the medical team they thought it was the best interest to rest up.
“They were a bit concerned about what I’ve done. I’ve been limited in the past couple of weeks so I’ve got to respect that decision and look forward to what’s ahead now.
“They were pretty concerned with the amount of training I’ve done in the last couple of weeks. I’ve only completed the training session today.
“Although I felt fine, they were quite concerned how I was going to pull up and they didn’t want the lasting images of me being carried off the field.
“I don’t think 20-30 minutes define the career I’ve had. It would’ve been nice to go out Suncorp Stadium in front of our members and fans. In saying that, I’ll still be there Thursday night to say my thankyou’s.”
This means his career has come to a close after 323 matches (231 for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and 92 for the Broncos), 2598 career points, two games for the New South Wales Blues and two NRL premierships.
“It was difficult when you miss any game, let alone your last,” he added.
“I hope I’ve inspired the younger generation coming through. I would have been happy to play one NRL game let alone 300-0dd.
“It’s not meant to be. Not everyone gets the fairytale finish (but) it’s certainly one I can look back at and be proud of.”
Growing up across the road from Redfern Oval, Reynolds spent hours honing his craft before going on to make his NRL debut in 2012 with the Rabbitohs.
During his ten seasons for the Cardinal and Myrtle, he became the club’s all-time leading pointscorer before making the switch to Red Hill ahead of the 2022 season.
“It means everything,” Reynolds said on his time with the Rabbitohs.
“I’m a kid from Redfern who grew up across the road from the oval. I dreamt about playing first grade for South Sydney. Those memories will stick with me forever.
“It’s a big part of me to this day. I still hold that club to the highest of regards and certainly take that piece of history with me.”
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While he won’t be playing another match for the Broncos, he confirmed that he will remain at the club beyond this season.
However, instead of playing, he will work as an advisor and mentor to the younger halves and hookers coming through the ranks such as Cameron Bukowski and Calvin Harris-Tavita – the younger brother of Chanel Harris-Tavita.
“I’m really luckily enough to be staying at the club and working with our halves and hookers and a bit of the kicking there,” Reynolds elaborated.
“There’s an opportunity there and obviously get to work with the academy as well.
“There’s some great young kids coming through and hopefully I can pass down some knowledge.”
Moving to an off-field role in 2027, Reynolds was asked by CODE Sports reporter Brent Read if he could see himself becoming a head coach one day.
Although he has no aspirations to do it anytime soon, he did confirm it is something he wants to do in the future.
“Not anytime soon. It’s something I admire head coaches. I see how hard they work and the amount of hours they put in,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be coached by some of the greatest in our game and you take a little bit of every bit they give you and advice. No doubt use that moving forward.
“It’s something I aspire to be down the track but I know there’s a lot of learning and bumps and bruisers to get through before I get there.”