State of Origin: Adam Reynolds keen to erase scars from 2016

The injury to Nathan Cleary has created an opening, and with unfinished business on his mind Adam Reynolds presents his case to return to the NSW Blues.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 28: Adam Reynolds of the Broncos during the warm up before the round nine NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on April 28, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Adam Reynolds wants to wipe out the emotional scars of losing his one and only State of Origin series seven years ago by being chosen in NSW’s sudden death match against Queensland in Brisbane.

And the Broncos star outlined a compelling case for selection in Origin II after incumbent Blues halfback Nathan Cleary was ruled out of the remaining two matches with a hamstring injury.

Reynolds, Nicho Hynes and Mitchell Moses are involved in a three-way battle to become NSW’s new playmaker ahead of a June 21 match NSW must-win to save the series.

Adam Reynolds has been in great form for the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s game two and being down (one-nil) on the scoreboard doesn’t help. It’s an all-or-nothing game and experience does count. At the end of the day, if you lose this, the series is over,” Reynolds said.

When at Souths, Reynolds played the opening two games of the 2016 series, losing both. He was ruled out of game three through injury and replaced by James Maloney, with NSW winning 18-14.

Reynolds hasn’t played for his state since.

“It’s something that has been burning inside me to get back to Origin since that series that I had,” Reynolds said. “It didn’t end too well for us that year.

“I am a lot more experienced now, a lot calmer and have more knowledge about the game. I feel like I am playing better footy now than I was back then and I understand the game a lot better.

“There were a few years there where I thought I could have got the nod and there was certainly talk around me playing at the time with Cody (Walker) but I obviously didn’t get the opportunity.

“If Freddy (Fittler) and the selectors want to go that way then I’d be more than happy to put my hand up and do my best job for the state.

“I will be cheering for NSW either way but hopefully I will be there on the night playing.”

Adam Reynolds in action for NSW during game 1 of the 2016 Origin series. Picture: Gregg Porteous

A Rabbitohs local junior, Reynolds has played 264 NRL games over 12 seasons.

He has played 36 matches at Suncorp Stadium – 17 for Souths, 18 with Brisbane and one for NSW.

Reynolds knows the pressure will be excruciating in Brisbane.

“You don’t want to be going into a game where you’re unsure of something. You want to make sure every box is ticked and you’re as confident as you can going into the game,” Reynolds said.

“No doubt the selectors and Freddy will think about that sort of stuff and come up with whoever they think can get the job done. It will be a great challenge for whoever they put in there.

“But whatever happens I will still support the Blues. I am as passionate as anyone down there in NSW and I want to see them get the victory. Combinations will also count.”

Reynolds, 33 next month, believes experience playing at Suncorp Stadium would help in the expected sold-out furnace.

“It’s a great place to come and play some football and I have played Origin there before,” Reynolds said.

“It’s an arena you want to play in. You won’t get too many cheers but you want to go into enemy territory and get the job done.

“That is what makes the occasion even better for an away team and there’s no better place than Suncorp when it’s enemy soil. I’d be over the moon (if selected).”

NSW will name their side early next week after this weekend’s round of NRL.

Reynolds’ Broncos play Newcastle, Hynes’ Sharks confront Melbourne, while Moses’ Eels tackle Canterbury.

Originally published as State of Origin: Adam Reynolds keen to erase scars from 2016