Can Adam Reynolds do anymore? Is he on the path of becoming the next premier halfback in Rugby League?
One of the leading lights in the South Sydney U20’s side that went on to make the 2010 Toyota Cup Grand Final, Reynolds spent 2011 on the sidelines after suffering a season-ending injury in the pre-season.
The injury only temporarily stalling what has been a dramatic rise up the ranks as the young Rabbitoh continues to ignore the clamour for him to be included in the NSW State of Origin squad.
The 23 year old exploded onto the scene in 2012, leading an experienced pack around the park with a poise you would only expect to see from a seasoned veteran and although only a handful of games into the 2013 season, Reynolds form continues to impress those that matter.
Having had a taste of higher honours in the recent City v Country fixture, it is clear to see this kid has the skillset to succeed in the NRL.
One of the most impressive aspects of Reynolds game has been his pinpoint kicking game. While his short kicking game was not as deadly as usual in the City v Country fixture, Reynolds reeled off 40-20s either side of half-time and scored a neat individual try from a grubber.
His left edge combination with Michael Jennings who many expect to feature for the Blues in the upcoming series was particularly encouraging, the Roosters speedster thriving off some delightful cut-out passes.
Reynolds later revealed Coach Brad Fittler had challenged him to lead the side both on and off the field throughout training camp.
“Freddy really put me in a senior leadership role here with City,” Reynolds said.
Should Mitchell Pearce go down in the lead up to game one, the way Reynolds embraced the leadership responsibility was not lost on the Blues mentor.
“I probably wasn’t sure before the game,” Daley said.
“It’s good to know that in such a short period of time he’s stepped up.”
The more you watch him, the more you realise how good this kid actually is. Unlikely to feature in the 2013 State of Origin series make no mistake; he will lead the Blues around the park in the years to come.
mark
Guest
Come on Laurie get some guts and vision Who cares about Maloney he's a journey man and everybody knows it. Reynolds is the real thing. If Qld had him he would be picked already. Pearce is a sub at best. Open your eyes and mind Laurie.
Rabbits
Guest
Pearce is as good as he's going to get ... it's taken four series to figure that one out. Unfortunately, Daley is doing the ostrich when it comes to picking his No.7 - he's got his head firmly crammed in the sand and refuses to consider another option.
James
Guest
Rabbits why can't Pearce do that in Origin... If Reynolds does for Souths wouldn't you want him doing that for NSW? Obviously Pearce isn't doing any of that
PLANKO
Guest
MattBungard The next premier half back in rugby league says nothing about whether his from qld or nsw ? This article does mention where is from. He not even close to being the best halfback in rugby league. I think he is very good and is the best currently for NSW
shane
Roar Guru
Editor error, apologies.
HadoMan
Guest
I agree Adam is in great form and is improving with every game but you need to get your facts right. The NZ Warriors won the 2010 Toyota Cup Grand Final and not Souths Sydney. HadoMan
Rabbits
Guest
I think Mcguire has put the Bunnies under a playing structure that improves and accentuates only parts of Reynold's games eg kicking, directing traffic in the middle of the ruck, shifting the ball to first and second receivers and basic moves. He's getting a little too predicable. If we could see a little more creativity and spontaneity from the Souths No.7 I'm sure that would make a much more compelling case for the Blues halfback spot, one that could not be ignored. Adam has one of the best front-foot packs in the comp and class and try-scoring threats either side of him in the backline, he only needs to trust his instincts on attack more like he did when he scored that try from City, instead of playing set after set to McGurie's plan.
fishes
Guest
Can Adam Reynolds do any more? Yes, he can. His dad could become friends with the coach.
Brendan Bradford
Roar Pro
Throwing him into the highest pressure game in league after only one and a half seasons of NRL is risky. Look at the guys he's playing. Give him another year and he'll probably be ready, but for now I'd err on the side of experience. Anyway, shouldn't the more pressing question be who will partner him in the halves?
Chappy
Guest
Rod come on, Mitch Pearce isn't equally skilled as Adam Reynolds. Even the Mitch Pearce fans admit that.
Rod
Guest
I'm biased as a bunnies fan, Reynolds greatest attribute is his calmness under pressure, look at his goal kicking, his short kicking game, how he improved his game against the storm last week , when the pressure was on. He just seems to have time. I have no doubt he would handle origin. I think he is a more composed player than Pearce . I actually think Pearce is equally skilled , but does not have Reynolds composure. If Reynolds fires against Manly on Friday night , Daley may need to re think
Chappy
Guest
Great article Shane. Brendan Bradford, were 7 series down and have a great halfback ready and inform in Reynolds. Adam Reynolds has already surpassed Mitch Pearce as a footy player. In fact he did last year and now it's just to bloody obvious and NSW fans are just sick of losing and sick of Mitch Pearce( golden child ) average Origin performances.
Brendan Bradford
Roar Pro
I'm a massive Reynolds fan, but I think it's probably a year too early to throw him into Origin. However, the City-Country game would have done wonders for his continuing development. Experiencing the Origin-style camp, team and coaches will make it easier for Reynolds to step up this year if Pearce gets injured, and gives him a headstart for when he eventually does get picked.
Why would you watch Cricket?
Guest
If Reynolds ever gets a run for NSW he has every chance of stepping into the shoes of Thurston and/or Cronk in years to come. Only thing that stands in his way is injury and Laurie Daley... Good news for him is that NSW Coach is not the games most stable Job! Just Sayin
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
DCE the Queenslander, you mean?
planko
Roar Guru
I am one of the biggest Fans of Reynolds but DCE is in front of him already. Forget Pearce...