Adam Reynolds’ hamstring concern from round five has added another wrinkle to the Brisbane Broncos’ early season storyline.
The veteran halfback limped off in the second half of the Broncos’ win over the Tigers after pulling off a spectacular chip-and-chase try. While scans later confirmed no serious damage, Brisbane legend and club director Darren Lockyer has urged caution ahead of Friday’s clash with the Roosters, suggesting the 34-year-old should be given an extra week to fully recover.
Reynolds was still named in the No.7 jersey for Michael Maguire’s side when the team list dropped on Tuesday. However, Lockyer believes pushing him back too soon isn’t worth the risk—especially considering Reynolds’ age and history of soft tissue injuries.
“If there’s even a slight twinge, mentally or physically, it’s not worth it,” Lockyer said on *Wide World of Sports’ QLDER*. “He’s got a history there, and even though scans are clear, you don’t want to take chances this early in the season.”
Brisbane currently sit second on the NRL ladder with a 4-1 record, while the Roosters have struggled with just one win from five games and will be without key forward Lindsay Collins due to a knee injury.
Reynolds missed much of the 2024 season with a torn bicep, and while this hamstring issue is minor, it has sparked fresh concerns about his durability. Despite that, Reynolds has expressed his desire to continue playing beyond 2025, even though salary cap constraints may complicate matters for the Broncos.
“For now, I’m focused on this year,” Reynolds said. “I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer and I want to help the team succeed. Next year will take care of itself.”
Lockyer echoed the club’s stance that there’s no urgency to make a decision on Reynolds’ future, saying performance and fitness will be closely monitored throughout the season.
“We’re not rushing into anything,” he explained. “It depends on how Adam holds up and whether he’s truly committed to going around again. His form has been fantastic, but it’s too early to make that call.”
If Reynolds is rested this weekend, Billy Walters and Jock Madden are in line to take over at halfback. Lockyer praised Walters for his consistent performances off the bench this season.
“Billy’s really stepped up,” Lockyer said. “He may not have gotten the starting hooker role, but he’s been a reliable utility and brought energy and solid defense every time he’s been on.”
As the Broncos weigh Reynolds’ short-term fitness and long-term future, the club is balancing success now with the bigger picture in mind.
