NRL 2021: Adam Reynolds ready to tackle new Broncos challenge -after Souths premiership tilt

Adam Reynolds reckons he has been conditioned for the pressures of the Broncos because he comes from a huge club. But Brisbane is a different beast and regularly catches newbies unaware.

New Broncos signing Adam Reynolds talks to media at Brisbane Airport ahead of Magic Round. Picture Lachie Millard

He may have spent his football life as a Rabbitoh but Adam Reynolds has already learnt there is no such thing as a rabbit warren in Brisbane.

No little hideaway that can shelter a man from the swirling forces of a probing world. Not when you play for the Broncos.

Despite the fact there were Magic Round events on the other side of town, eight cameramen made it to the Brisbane airport to greet the man who must turn around the SS Bronco next year and steer the ship out of troubled waters.

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Adam Reynolds was grilled by the media upon his arrival in Brisbane.

Reynolds came across as cool and measured without any fluffy trimmings – much like the way he plays - in his first press conference after signing with the Broncos.

The over-riding sentiment from his words was that parting with Souths – where he has lived his whole life and played his whole career – has not been easy even though it has been his reality for some time.

To use relationship parlance, he is moving on from the love of his life and before he can attach himself to his new flame, he has to get over his old one. It’s challenging because he thought it was forever.

Reynolds said he loved his Souths teammates “like my family’’ that he would feel like part of the Rabbitohs “for my whole life’’ and “I’m very grateful of the opportunity they gave me as a young boy to achieve my dream.’’

But asked whether he was a man with a heavy heart, he responded like the pragmatic pro he is: “I understand that’s football. Not everything goes your way in your career and you just have to roll with the punches.’’

“I would have loved to stay a one club man but obviously things have popped up. Security was a big thing for me.

A bit of gentle ribbing from Damien Cook eased the pressure on Adam Reynolds.

“I always said it was going to be about security for my family. That’s number one in my life.’’

Security, of course, equals money. Souths offered him a one-year deal. Brisbane three at a higher rate. He has four children and this is his last contract. Do the maths. He had to go.

But, for all the extra cash, there is no sense he skipped out the door even though a playful Damien Cook chimed in from a distance that he would enjoy Brisbane’s cheaper real estate.

Someone noted they had seen more excited Friday afternoon meat tray winners than Reynolds talking about his new deal, but the quirky nature of rugby league’s contract system left him walking a tightrope.

The more excited he sounded about joining the Broncos the bigger slap in the face it would have been for the club he still wants to win a premiership with.

Reynolds feels he has been conditioned for pressures of the Broncos because he comes from a huge club which has massive media interest.

Anthony Seibold wasn’t prepared for the sheer force of coverage in Brisbane.

Significantly, his former coach Anthony Seibold said the same and later admitted the forensic force of league coverage, Brisvegas style, was the single biggest thing he underestimated in his first year. Most do.

Reynolds said all the right things about the fresh challenges of a one-team town and a new city, but unlike say, James Maloney or Brett Kimmorley, has never been a journeyman because he was always happy where he was.

His arrival is hugely significant for the Broncos because from Thursday until the first tackle of the 2022 season next February, the Broncos can sell the one essential quality every club needs … hope.

No matter how the grim the post mortem of any Broncos loss this season, the discussions can always end with the pep pill “ … at least next year there will be Reynolds.’’

Step right up old son. No pressure.