NRL grand final: Adam Reynolds apologises to Penrith Panthers after speech snub

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has apologised to Penrith in a classy act, while also delivering a post-grand final message to the ‘Bronx Nation’.

Adam Reynolds.

Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has apologised to Penrith after snubbing the Panthers in his grand final post-match speech.

A shattered Reynolds didn’t mention the Panthers in his official address after Penrith stunned the Broncos with a 26-24 comeback win in Sunday night’s NRL grand final.

The Panthers conjured the biggest comeback in grand final history at Accor Stadium, overturning a 24-8 deficit in the final 17 minutes to claim their third straight premiership.

Reynolds was devastated after the game when he had to take the stage, thanking the NRL, sponsors, officials, fans and his Broncos teammates.

The 274-game NRL veteran didn’t mention the Panthers in his speech and was criticised on social media, but took to Instagram to apologise.

“This one hurts,” Reynolds posted.

Adam Reynolds’ Instagram story.

Adam Reynolds after the loss. Picture: Matt King/Getty

“Sorry to all Bronx nation. Love you guys, sorry we couldn’t get the job done.

“Apologies for my speech. I forgot to congratulate @penrithpanthers. One hell of a team.

“Congrats on another premiership and great season.”

Reynolds was full of praise for the Panthers when asked about Penrith’s effort to mount a successful comeback, orchestrated by his No. 7 rival Nathan Cleary.

“There’s tremendous amounts of respect,” he told this masthead.

“They’re a champion team and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We got out to 24-8 and knew they’d be a threat.

“We weren’t clinical in the end and they made us pay by sticking to the game plan.

“We certainly had the team to do it. We just weren’t clinical at the end.

“You’ve got to give them credit. They are a champion team and play to their strengths.

“Nathan Cleary was probably the difference in the end.”