Adam Reynolds addresses retirement, playing on in 2027, Rabbitohs reunion speculation

Adam Reynolds hasn’t ruled out playing on in 2027, but the impending Broncos arrival of Jonah Pezet could force the champion half out of Red Hill, prompting speculation of a Wayne Bennett reunion.

Will Adam Reynolds play on in 2027?

Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds has addressed speculation he could have a swansong season at South Sydney with Wayne Bennett if the signing of Jonah Pezet forces him out of the Broncos.

An avid golfer, Reynolds will join Broncos teammates Kotoni Staggs and Jesse Arthars in a Pro-Am field on Wednesday as a high-profile preamble to the Australian PGA Championship.

Reynolds’ golfing cameo will precede his return to Broncos training on December 12, but his longer-term future at Red Hill remains a mystery amid suggestions he could reunite with Bennett at the Rabbitohs.

The 35-year-old is off-contract at the end of next season and Brisbane’s signing of Melbourne sensation Pezet for 2027 is an indication the Broncos are preparing for Reynolds to retire in 2026.

Reynolds hasn’t ruled out playing on in 2027, although the champion halfback insists he has had no talks with Bennett about a return to the club where the Souths junior began his NRL career in 2012.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Wayne,” Reynolds said.

Adam Reynolds insists he has had no talks with Wayne Bennett about a Rabbitohs reunion. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Adam Reynolds alongside Cam Smith. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I love what he’s doing, and he’s setting that club up for some success and I wish him all the best.

“But no, there’s no conversations.”

The two-time premiership winner surprised Broncos bosses this year by revealing his desire to play on in 2026, a decision which forced Brisbane to recalibrate their salary cap to afford Reynolds for another 12 months.

The Broncos haven’t budgeted for the 309-game playmaker to sign on for a sixth season at Red Hill and the recruitment of halfback Pezet suggests Reynolds won’t be at Brisbane in 2027.

But the skipper says he hasn’t made a definitive call on retirement as he prepares to report for Brisbane’s 2026 pre-season.

The champion halfback is yet to make a definitive retirement call. Picture: Adam Head

“I don’t know. I’m not too sure,” said Reynolds when asked if he will soldier on in 2027.

“I suppose the start of the season will give me an indication of how the body and how the mind’s feeling.

“I think the mind’s the most important thing, whether it still wants to go another 12 months or if the body can handle it. Those questions will pretty much answer themselves throughout the season at some stage.

“I don’t know if I’ll be good enough to go around again in another 12 months. I may be, I may not. It’s always good to be wanted, but realistically, Brisbane’s home for me and it’d be tough to obviously leave this place.

Adam Reynolds has had his injury problems over the last couple of seasons. Picture: NRL Photos / Brett Costello

“We haven’t had those conversations with the club (about playing in 2027). We haven’t spoken any further than my return date and getting back into training.

“We’ll see how we go through the pre-season and obviously the start of the season.

“We’ll know a bit more once the season kicks off.”

Reynolds lauded the club’s signing of Pezet, who will arrive at the Broncos in 2027 after a 12-month stint at Parramatta.

“It’s gonna be great for him to get 12 months development at Parramatta,” he said.

“He gets to learn from probably one of the best halves in the game in Mitchell Moses.

“No doubt he’s going to be a great addition to the club.

“He’s done some wonderful things in a very strong system down in Melbourne, so no doubt he’s got some tricks and some strings to his bow that some of us don’t have already.

“It will be good for the club.”