Redfern born and bred: Adam Reynolds reveals why he wants to be the Rabbitohs’ next captain
The popular narrative is that the retirement of Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis and John Sutton leaves the Rabbitohs devoid of leadership – but one local product is keen to prove everyone wrong.
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As far as rugby league fairytales go, this one has the potential to be an all-time classic.
And in many respects, Adam Reynolds’ personal ambition to be South Sydney’s next captain also highlights a secret motivation driving the Rabbitohs within.
It seems right now everyone outside the club wants to focus on how the retirement of Sam Burgess and John Sutton on the back of losing Greg Inglis has left the club devoid of true leadership.
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But for the little boy who grew up straight across the road from Redfern Oval, there is now a chance to make his childhood dream a reality.
In a three-way battle with Cody Walker and Damien Cook for the top job next season, Reynolds has spoken openly and passionately about what this opportunity would mean for him.
“It was my dream as a kid to captain Souths,” Reynolds’ 29, told The Saturday Telegraph.
“I was a literally a kick away from Redfern Oval, straight across the road on Elizabeth St.
“I have some great memories of the old stadium.
“Obviously for a kid who was born and raised in Redfern and someone who enjoys the history of the club, it would be something very special.
“It was a dream come true to obviously play one first grade game for the club.
“But now I get to live my dream day in and day out.”
Many are predicting the Rabbitohs will go into next season in a dangerous predicament given all the experience the club has lost.
But both Reynolds and general manager of football Shane Richardson said it was a challenge for the playing group to now create their own legacy.
Richardson said aside from the captaincy contenders, the club had been working for some time identifying the next generation of leaders — with the likes of Cameron Murray, Campbell Graham, Adam Doueihi and Braidon Burns all considered outstanding prospects on and off the field.
On top of that it has been a long time since the club was in a better position to be able to look after their retired champions.
While Sutton and Inglis have already taken up coaching roles at the club, Richardson said Burgess would not be lost.
“We are now in a position as a club where we are able to take care of them and it helps develop the culture that you want,” Richardson said.
“Everyone is going to ask the question about leadership with us losing Sam, GI and Sutto, but there is a lot more depth in leaders than just those guys.
“At the end of the day these players have learnt from some of the best and the good thing is that before they cross the white line those guys will still be around to help them.
“And the guys are really looking forward to stepping up.”
Reynolds added there was also a tremendous motivation after again finishing one game short of the grand final.
“We didn’t have the greatest season,” he said.
“By that I mean we didn’t sort of clique as a team but if we had got things right it could have been a different story.
“Even though we struggled a bit and didn’t really quite get it in the end, we still had a chance to make the GF and that leaves a fire in the belly.
“It is still hurting and we can use that motivation to give us a bit more in the pre-season and make sure we hit the ground running.”