Maguire Shifts the Script on Reynolds’ Future at Brisbane
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has flipped the script regarding Adam Reynolds’ future, insisting the veteran halfback isn’t set to retire and expressing his desire to keep him at the club beyond 2025.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the Broncos had earmarked next season as Reynolds’ swan song — with plans to transition him into an assistant coaching role — Maguire now says the club never intended to push the 34-year-old into retirement. Reynolds’ strong start to the year has sparked his own desire to continue playing past 2025.
However, with Brisbane navigating a salary cap squeeze and key players like Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs needing new deals, retaining Reynolds could prove difficult. While English clubs have shown interest, a move abroad would mean uprooting his family, who’ve grown fond of life in Queensland after years in Sydney.
Despite the uncertainty, Maguire is adamant he wants Reynolds to stay. He rejected claims the club’s salary cap planning was based on Reynolds retiring, which would free up a $550,000 chunk of their budget.
“I’ve never been one to think he should stop playing if he’s performing well,” Maguire said. “He knows how these conversations go — they’re ongoing. Older players are still doing big things in this game. I want to keep all the guys we have here, and we’ll work through the cap like every other club.”
Maguire also dismissed concerns that Reynolds staying could block the development of younger halves Coby Black and Jock Madden. He praised both youngsters and said learning from experienced players like Reynolds and Ben Hunt was invaluable.
As for talk about Reynolds being injury-prone, Maguire called it a myth. Despite a biceps injury limiting him to 13 games last season, Reynolds has played 20 or more matches in 10 of his 13 full NRL campaigns. “People wrote him off before, but he’s proven them wrong. He’s nearing 300 games — that says everything,” Maguire said.
Meanwhile, journalist Robert Craddock recently suggested the NRL might greenlight a significantly reduced deal for Reynolds in 2026, possibly as low as $250,000 — a move similar to the late-career pay cut Darren Lockyer received.
