Adam Reynolds gives verdict on what went wrong in 2022 for Broncos, and how to fix issues

As the Broncos set out to bounce back from a disappointing finish to their 2022 campaign and once fresh face has impressed Adam Reynolds.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 19: Broncos coach Kevin Walters and Adam Reynolds of the Broncos speak at a press conference after the round 23 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium, on August 19, 2022, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Adam Reynolds has opened up on the Brisbane Broncos’ crushing late-season collapse, adamant building stronger relationships and a better “understanding of our game plan” will be the key to success in 2023.

And while the veteran playmaker was careful not to point the finger of blame at coach Kevin Walters or any individual, he seemed intent on making it clear that bad attitudes were not the biggest reason for the disastrous end to 2022.

Walters had seemed to suggest attitude was an issue after the 53-6 belting by Parramatta in round 24.

Reminded of that, Reynolds said: “I don’t know if you put it down to attitude.

“I think it is an easy thing to say when you are losing games, to blame it on attitude.”

But Reynolds seemed more focused on how to fix it.

“For us it is just about getting the most out of our pre-season,” he continued, in his first major interview since returning to training.

“Obviously we have got new players at the club and we are trying to create combinations where we can get better across the board.

“We are a bit more ahead of where we were last year at this stage, so it is a step in the right direction.”

And the Broncos skipper also delivered his early predictions on the race for Brisbane’s all-important spine positions, with the fullback, five-eighth and dummy half duties all up for grabs.

Broncos players Ezra Mam, Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh on the beach at Mooloolaba. Picture: Lachie Millard

But Reynolds’ thoughts on the fight for the No. 1 jumper might make off-contract English star Herbie Farnworth a little nervous, given Reynolds was clear about where he thinks star recruit Reece Walsh is best suited.

“I don’t think we will see him in the halves,” Reynolds scoffed at the suggestion Walsh could end up at five-eighth, if Walters goes for either Farnworth or Tesi Niu at fullback.

Walters has said previously it remains three-way shootout, but Reynolds didn’t sound convinced.

“He is pretty good out the back,” he said of Walsh.

“We have had a couple of sessions already and things are moving pretty nicely.

“It is just about continually working on our relationship both on and off the field, and making sure we have got the chemistry so we can click when it counts.”

Ezra Mam, Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds enjoy themselves on the Sunshine Coast. Picture Lachie Millard

BENNETT NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF

Reynolds also gave his thoughts on his former South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett’s return to the NRL at the Dolphins, saying the Broncos should be inspired and not intimated by the new rivalry, or Bennett’s presence.

“I see it as healthy for us as a club,” Reynolds said.

“The games are going to be pretty heated at times I’d say.

“It is always good to have rivals.

“Fans love getting up for those games, so do players.

“And it is exciting for the NRL having a new team.”

It comes as the Broncos launched “Super Week” on the Sunshine Coast, with the Broncos preparing for a nine-day camp next February that will include two all-Queensland trial matches against Gold Coast and North Queensland.

With members-only tickets released on Wednesday, public tickets go on sale on Friday for the first up trial against the Titans on Sunday, February 12, followed by the Cowboys on Saturday, February 18.

Reynolds said his aim is to make sure he plays in at least one of the trials.

The Broncos will play two trial matches at Mooloolaba in 2023. Picture Lachie Millard

WHAT TO DO WITH HERBIE AND SELWYN

With Reynolds not beating around the bush on where he expects Walsh to play, we asked him about Farnworth’s predicament.

The fact is the Englishman is a free agent at the end of 2023 and he has indicated he wants a crack at fullback.

There is also mounting speculation Farnworth is being targeted by several Sydney clubs including the Bulldogs, while Bennett’s Dolphins have made it clear they also want him.

“We just have to find out what works best for us as a club,” Reynolds said.

“He has played in the centres for England at the World Cup and he had a terrific World Cup.

“He definitely showed what he is capable of and that was coming back after a pretty significant injury (a ruptured bicep).

“We just have to get him back on board and fit and healthy again.”

While not counting him out of it, Reynolds added: “It goes back to the competition within the squad.

“We are all fighting (for places) and it is only going to make us a better team.”

About Cobbo’s development, Reynolds added: “He is still young. I don’t think there is any point rushing him to fullback. He is such a good finisher.”

Asked if he thought Cobbo started on the wing or competed for a centre spot, Reynolds added: “He probably starts on the wing. I don’t know how he finishes up.

“But the quality of our two centres at the moment (Farnworth and Kotoni Staggs, along with young Deine Mariner) is pretty good.”

Jock Madden during Brisbane Broncos training at Red Hill. Picture: Zak Simmonds

MAM V MADDEN FOR FIVE-EIGHTH?

Jock Madden is another new recruit with his eyes fixed on a starting spot.

But it won’t be at Reynolds’ expense, and the skipper reckons Ezra Mam has earned first crack.

“I think so,” Reynolds said about Mam.

“I think he showed enough with what he did last year.

“He came in under a lot of expectation and handled it better than most.

“He is still a young fella but he is tough.

“He is only going to get better throughout the pre-season.”

About Madden, he added: “To be honest I hadn’t seen much of Jock before the last couple of rounds (when he got promoted into the Tigers starting team).

“I’ve only had a number of days with him.

“Look, he has impressed me.

“He asks a lot of questions at training and is always willing to learn.

“The more quality players we have the better the competition. It brings out the best in the player.”

Broncos coach Kevin Walters and Adam Reynolds as the Broncos’ back end of the season fell apart.

WHO PLAYS NINE?

With Jake Turpin now at the Roosters, teenage sensation Blake Mozer has come into the top 30.

But again Reynolds is backing the incumbents, saying it will come down to Billy Walters and Cory Paix to start the season wearing the No 9 jumper.

“I think Billy or Paixy have probably got a hold on the jersey at the moment,” Reynolds said.

Asked about Mozer, who has been likened to a young Cameron Smith, Reynolds was full of praise: “He is a young fella but he is a keen learner, and a hard trainer.

“He is coming off a bit of an injury so he is not training with the full squad. But I have been in a lot of opposed sessions against him last year and for a young fella he is pretty smart.”

THE POST MORTEM

By the sounds of it Reynolds is still at loss to completely explain how the back-end of the season went so horribly wrong.

But what he was clear on was the need for change, and clarity.

“Obviously it is something we have spoken about as a team and we have addressed it,” Reynolds said of the capitulation that saw them lose five of their final six games, including conceding 50-plus points in back-to-back games.

“I think the understanding of our game plan (has to be better). Players knowing their role and doing their job.”

He also said there would be a strong focus on defence this pre-season.

“Defence wins comps,” he said.