His NRL debut and his Under 20s Grand Final didn’t go the way he planned but True Blue Adam Reynolds says they both helped shape him as he prepares for his 250th NRL game this week.
The Brisbane Broncos in eighth spot must win Thursday night’s Round 24 game at Suncorp Stadium to keep the Canberra Raiders at bay, who are one win behind them in ninth on the ladder with two games left for the regular season.
But the 32-year-old had time to reflect this week on his Rugby League journey, especially where it all started with his NRL debut for South Sydney in Round One of 2012.
“Not great memories of that night – got beaten by Roosters on the bell (24-20), so I remember it pretty well,” Reynolds said.
“But a lot of great memories since then.”
However, there were a few bumps in the road along the way for the Matraville Sports High student.
“That school was a great pathway for Rugby League – great players came from that school,” Reynolds said.
“I found myself in the system there, made a few rep sides, and realised I had some sort of potential.
“Got through to the Under 20s at Souths. I had some great years there and we made the Grand Final (2010) but got beaten there unfortunately.”
Reynolds played halfback that day for the Rabbitohs, who lost to the NZ Warriors (42-28) with Shaun Johnson wearing the No.7 jersey opposite him.
But his performance in the Rabbitohs Under 20s team earned him a Top 30 NRL contract, where former Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire gave him his debut.
“I had a knee reconstruction out of the 20s and thought the dream was over but I got to start in the gym with Michael Crocker and Roy Asotasi and learned the professionalism of the sport,” he said.
“It was a blessing in disguise as it helped me build up a bit as I was only small back then. I put on a few extra kilos.
“It was a really tough pre-season under ‘Madge’ but I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to play first grade, which is a memory I’ll cherish forever.
“Obviously the pathway to get there wasn’t a smooth one but it sort of shapes you for the future.”
Two years later and Reynolds was a NRL Premiership winner alongside Luke Keary in the halves for South Sydney. Four years on and Reynolds made his NSW Origin debut in Game One, 2016.
Reynolds played 231 game for Souths before moving to Brisbane this season where he has managed a further 18 games for 59 goals, six tries and 19 try-assists. Now he has a chance to lead the club into the finals for the first time in three years.
