Broncos Face Salary Cap Pressure as Reynolds Opens Up on His Future
The Brisbane Broncos are contending with a tightening salary cap as captain Adam Reynolds confirms he wants to continue playing next season, but not at the cost of his teammates’ futures.
Despite a rare dip in form during the weekend loss to the Panthers, Reynolds has been instrumental in Brisbane’s strong campaign, helping them reach fifth on the ladder with his standout kicking game. His performances have led head coach Michael Maguire to publicly express support for re-signing the 34-year-old for another year.
However, Broncos board member and club legend Darren Lockyer revealed the club had not initially planned for Reynolds to play in 2026. While the club is open to keeping the veteran halfback, Lockyer acknowledged that any extension would likely involve a significant pay reduction, especially since Reynolds isn’t a one-club player and thus wouldn’t qualify for extra salary cap relief from the NRL.
According to The Courier Mail, Brisbane have begun formal talks with Reynolds and are prepared to let go of several off-contract players to make room for a new deal. Reynolds, however, has made it clear he doesn’t want to stay if it means sacrificing young talent.
“I’m pretty confident everyone can stay at the club,” Reynolds said. “I feel like we’re in a great position to chase success and I want to be a part of that. But I also want the young boys here to experience that. I don’t want my staying to push anyone out.”
Broncos Cap Space Stretched by Star Extensions
The Broncos’ salary cap has already been heavily impacted by big-money deals for Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam, and Patrick Carrigan. The club is also in talks to extend star prop Payne Haas beyond his current $1.1 million-a-season deal.
Kotoni Staggs is expected to re-sign soon, while Selwyn Cobbo may leave due to the club’s inability to match lucrative offers from rival teams. Cobbo, who impressed recently as a fullback filling in for Walsh, could command over $1 million on the open market. However, sources suggest Reynolds’ extension would be more likely to affect fringe players rather than stars like Cobbo.
Lockyer: Sacrifices May Be Needed
Speaking on Channel 9, Lockyer admitted any new contract for Reynolds would require both sides to compromise. When asked by Phil Gould whether the Broncos had budgeted for another season with Reynolds, Lockyer said: “No. But he’s the type of player you’d change plans for.”
He added that sacrifices would need to be made across the squad to accommodate Reynolds, who himself would likely need to accept a reduced salary to stay.
Reynolds Set for Reunion with Former Club
On Friday, Reynolds is set to face South Sydney, the club where he won the 2014 NRL premiership. Reynolds left the Rabbitohs at the end of 2021 after only being offered a short-term contract.
Despite the past, Reynolds speaks fondly of his time at Souths: “I love Souths. I have a lot of history with them and I still respect the club deeply. They made the call they thought was right, and I had to make mine. There’s no bad blood—just mutual respect.”
As contract talks continue and the Broncos juggle their cap, Reynolds’ future remains a delicate balancing act between leadership, loyalty, and long-term planning.
