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Adam Reynolds will remain at the Broncos until the end of 2025, but league expert Phil Gould believes the team needs to win an NRL premiership before the halfback retires.
In a welcome boost on the eve of the season, Reynolds has inked a one-year contract extension, which will see him remain alongside Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh as part of a star-studded Brisbane spine for the next two seasons.
The 33-year-old has taken the Broncos from a bottom-four outfit to within an inch of a title since arriving two years ago, but will need to take them one step further after a devastating loss at the hands of Penrith in last season’s grand final.
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Reynolds is one of very few Broncos players who have premiership experience, but it’s not a decade since he won the NRL title with South Sydney.
Speaking on Wide World Of Sports’ Six Tackles With Gus, Gould reiterated the urgency for the club to bring home the Provan-Summons Trophy in the next two campaigns, with the career of Reynolds nearing its climax.
”They’ve probably got to win it now, because I don’t know how much time Adam Reynolds has got left in him and I don’t know what the succession plan is,” he said.
“Ezra Mam has got to go into a game-managing role and I’m not saying he’s not worth the money they are paying him, he obviously is a talented young boy, but he’s benefited greatly from the tutelage of Adam Reynolds and the fact that he steers the team around.
“Adam Reynolds is not getting any younger … it will be interesting to see who emerges in the coming seasons.”
Jock Madden has had limited opportunities in the top grade, but has filled in for Reynolds in recent times, while Coby Black has plenty of wraps on him as a future star.
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Despite losing a host of rep-quality players, Gould still claims Brisbane is among the best chances for this year’s title and is backing some younger talent to stand up following the departures of Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler.
“Some of the other younger players have got a year under their belt and it’s still a very strong looking roster,” Gould said.
“I think if the Panthers don’t win it, the Broncos probably will – I still think they are the two standout sides … one of them will win it, I believe.”
Brisbane will kick off its NRL season against the Roosters on March 3 (AEDT). in Las Vegas.
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