NRL 2023: Adam Reynolds reveals comeback plan from calf injury as Broncos eye premiership

Broncos ace Adam Reynolds has revealed his comeback plan for Brisbane’s title tilt and dismissed fears injuries could force him into an early retirement.

Adam Reynolds suffered a calf injury at training. Picture: Getty

Adam Reynolds has declared he will be fit for the finals as the champion halfback looks to lead Brisbane to the holy grail and snap the Broncos’ 17-year premiership drought.

And the inspirational skipper dismissed fears injuries could force him into an early retirement, outlining plans to extend his career by inking a Broncos contract for the 2025 season.

Brisbane’s most important player suffered an injury breakdown last Friday when he sustained a minor calf tear in a shock training mishap just a fortnight out from the finals.

Reynolds will miss Saturday night’s clash against Canberra and is racing the clock to play in next Thursday’s crucial last-round home clash against Melbourne, which could determine if Brisbane clinch a Suncorp semi-final.

But the Broncos ace is adamant he will feature in the playoffs in a massive boost for Brisbane’s hopes of a first title since 2006.

“I will miss one or two games but in my mind I’m back for the semis,” Reynolds said, speaking for the first time since his latest injury scare.

“It’s not ideal being injured this close to the finals but it’s a good opportunity for Jock (Madden, back-up playmaker) to get in there and get some combinations with the team.

Adam Reynolds (left) is aiming to return for the finals. Picture: Getty

“There is a chance I could be right to go next week if everything goes right with the rehab, my calf is already feeling a lot better than when I first did, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

“Knowing the coaches, they will want me to sit out next week to be ready for the finals.”

Calf injuries are fickle and can be ticking time bombs, with Latrell Mitchell missing this year’s entire Origin series and Matildas star Sam Kerr barely featuring in the group stage of the recent women’s World Cup.

Reynolds is Brisbane’s talismanic playmaker. He has turned the club from wooden spooners to premiership contenders since his arrival 18 months ago and the Broncos’ are virtually no hope of winning the title without him on the park.

The 33-year-old and vice-captain Kurt Capewell are Brisbane’s only premiership players, with Reynolds helping South Sydney smash their 43-year title drought in 2014.

Since assuming the Broncos’ No.7 jumper made famous by Allan Langer, Reynolds has won 26 of 40 games for Brisbane for an impressive 65 per cent success rate.

Reynolds was stunned by his surprise calf strain during the Broncos’ bye week and has been undergoing daily treatment to expedite his recovery.

Adam Reynolds suffered a calf injury at training. Picture: Getty

“We were doing a scrimmage at training last week, I just felt a pop in the calf,” he said.

“I walked off the field and knew it was something more than a strain.

“I got a scan and it wasn’t the best news, but it’s not the end of the world.”

Asked if he will return against the Storm next week, he said: “I’m not sure.

“I will see how it goes through the next week or so.

“I’m not under any pressure from the coaches to play. We’ll sit down and have a chat over the next week about the possibilities if I do or don’t play.

“It’s not the end of the world if I miss the Storm game, there is a bigger picture at the end of the tunnel and that’s the finals.”

Reynolds has had a number of niggles since joining the Broncos, including hamstring, neck and calf injuries.

The former NSW Origin halfback was expected to retire when his three-year deal expired at the end of 2024, but Reynolds scuppered concerns about his ageing body and is adamant he will soldier on for a further 12 months.

“I’m extremely confident I can play on,” he said.

“I’ve missed a few games this year with concussion, but there hasn’t been anything major with the body aside from a few niggles here and there.

“Every player that has played the game at the moment would have a few niggles. It’s a long season.

“That’s the plan to extend and go another season. The club is building towards something special and I want to be a part of it.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Adam Reynolds reveals comeback plan from calf injury as Broncos eye premiership