NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
South Sydney have re-signed a second big name in a week, handing halfback Adam Reynolds a lengthy contract extension until the end of the 2021 season.
Seven days after tying down skipper Greg Inglis until 2020, Reynolds on Friday committed to another four years at Redfern.
A Rabbitohs junior who debuted for the club in 2012 and broke into the NSW State of Origin team this year, he will be 30 by the time his new contract expires.
“Adam Reynolds is one of the elite players in our game,” coach Michael Maguire said.
“His ability to guide the team around the field, as well as his general play and goal kicking makes him instrumental to our success.
“Reynolds is hungry, as are the rest of the playing group, for success at this club.”
Maguire also paid tribute to Reynolds’ emergence as a key leader in the playing group, and believes the playmaker’s best days are ahead of him.
“Adam and I both believe he has his best football in front of him and we’re excited about working together to see that evolution of his game over the next five years,” he said.
Reynolds’ had agreed to a two-year contract extension in January believed to be worth $500,000 a year, which came just months after reportedly asking for a release.
Parramatta had also been rumoured to be circling the goalkicking halfback following the departure of failed signing Kieran Foran this year.
However Reynolds spurned any interest, as well as sparing himself an anxious summer waiting for a new deal, saying he is proud to stay with his local club.
He is currently third on the club’s all-time point scorers list.
“”I grew up in the area and it’s been a real honour to be able to represent the Rabbitohs and to continue representing the Rabbitohs is something I’m really proud of,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot of great memories of growing up around Redfern and developing into the player I’ve become today. I’m happy that my family and I can remain here.”
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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