NRL: Adam Reynolds back for Broncos and leading charge to finals

It’s been 79 days since Adam Reynolds ripped his biceps muscle off the bone, ahead of his return to action today the inspirational halfback shares his rehab story.

Adam Reynolds pictured during the Broncos training at Red Hill, Brisbane 19th 2024. (Image/Josh Woning)

Adam Reynolds insists the Broncos are not dead-and-buried as the champion skipper prepares to ignite Brisbane’s title assault – starting against the Knights on Saturday night.

A new wave of confidence has suddenly swept Red Hill after Brisbane’s premiership halfback Reynolds was cleared on Friday to make a shock return from biceps surgery at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium.

It’s been 79 days since Reynolds ripped his left biceps against the Roosters and over the past 11 weeks, Brisbane’s most important player has been a tortured soul watching from the Broncos coaching box.

But with Brisbane mired in a six-game losing streak, the return of Reynolds – coupled with Origin big guns Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Reece Walsh backing up – is the tonic for a finals charge.

Adam Reynolds pictured during the Broncos training at Red Hill, Brisbane 19th 2024. (Image/Josh Woning)

Speaking for the first time after being cleared to play, Reynolds declared last year’s grand finalists, currently 13th, can still launch a late-season run to snap an 18-year premiership drought.

“It’s such a close comp this year, you only need a couple of wins to be back in contention,” said Reynolds, who celebrates his 50th Broncos game against the Knights.

“Results haven’t gone our way over the past little while but there is still a great feeling amongst the boys.

“We know we aren’t that far away from hitting our straps.

“We still have some big games in front of our home fans at Suncorp in the run home – that crowd is like an extra player for us and we can’t wait to get out there in front of them.

“It’s great to be named to play. I’m ready to go. I can’t wait to get out there against the Knights.”

Broncos team latest

Adam Reynolds has completed training with biceps guard.

Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh and Payne Haas all trained and are set to play v Knights.

Selwyn Cobbo training away from the squad unlikely to back up.https://t.co/yJebGwWEaYpic.twitter.com/UXP9MnZRbJ

— Pete Badel (@badel_cmail) July 18, 2024

Reynolds was originally slated to return in round 22 but a searching fitness test at Brisbane’s captain’s run on Friday allayed fears the Broncos’ captain courageous is returning too soon.

The classy shot-caller completed the entire session without a problem, as did star triumvirate Haas, Carrigan and Walsh, who will all back up from a torrid Origin decider.

Just turned 34, Reynolds accepts there is an element of risk.

The ageing warrior has been told by Broncos doctors that while the surgery was a total success, his left biceps will be at around 80 per cent of its true optimum.

Full recovery will take place over the next two years, time the Broncos simply don’t have to wrap their skipper in cotton wool with their 2024 premiership season on life support.

The 280-game stalwart had his left arm covered heavily in black strapping at the captain’s run, but dismissed concerns he is in danger of a career-threatening breakdown.

“The rehab has gone really well,” he said.

Adam Reynolds takes charge at Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

“It’s the first time I’ve had this kind of injury so I’ve just been ticking the boxes after surgery.

“I’ve been back running for a long time now. I then stepped up to passing and kicking and then full contact over the past few weeks, so I feel like I’ve put the work in to get back playing.

“The rehab and conditioning guys here at the club are the best in the business, so I’ve just followed the programs they put in front of me and it’s all gone like clockwork so far.

“The goal was always this game to get back as soon as possible and I’ve worked hard to stay on track to achieve that.

“I’ve wanted to be out there playing and I’ve been doing absolutely everything I can to make that happen.”

In a massive boost for the Broncos, Reynolds will also be joined by Carrigan, who will play through the pain barrier after leaving Camp Maroon on Thursday with his sprained ankle in a compression boot.

This is the second of five consecutive Saturday games on Fox for the Broncos and Carrigan is adamant Brisbane can still reach the playoffs.

“I’m used to playing Thursday or Friday nights, so it’s a good change-up playing for the Broncos on weekends,” said Carrigan, also a Fox-Kayo ambassador.

“Now that Origin is over, I’m super eager to get back and help the Broncos.

“My Broncos teammates and people around the club like ‘Kev’ (coach Kevin Walters) have put me in the position to play Origin, so it’s time to pay them back now.

“My full focus is now on the Broncos and getting us back to a top-eight position.”