Rabbitohs star Adam Reynolds still after NSW Origin spot despite broken jaw

A BROKEN jaw may have caused Adam Reynolds to lose his appetite - but a trimmed-down South Sydney No. 7 certainly hasn’t lost hope of being fit and available for NSW come Origin I.

NRL players Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs), Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs), Robbie Farah (Tigers) and David Gower (Eels) pictured in the Farmyard Nursery at the Royal Easter Show ahead of a double header at ANZ Stadium over the Easter weekend. Adam Reynolds holds a rabbit during the media call. Picture: Toby Zerna

A BROKEN jaw may have caused Adam Reynolds to lose his appetite - but a trimmed-down South Sydney No. 7 certainly hasn’t lost hope of being fit and available for NSW come Origin I.

While there’s uncertainty over the return date for teammate Sam Burgess who was cleared of a serious neck injury, Reynolds yesterday revealed he was hopeful to return as early as ‘’round seven or round eight’’.

The Souths playmaker was on fire before he busted his jaw in the season opener against the Sydney Roosters.

Injured Rabbitohs star Adam Reynolds is still hopeful of starting Origin I for the Blues. Picture: Toby Zerna

And with Mitchell Pearce not due back until round nine because of suspension, and Blues’ incumbent halfback Trent Hodkinson now playing with strugglers Newcastle, Reynolds could find himself in the box seat for a NSW call-up ahead of the representative opener.

If he returns in round eight, against the Brisbane Broncos on a Friday night, Reynolds will also have games against the Wests Tigers, Parramatta and St George Illawarra to prove to NSW coach Laurie Daley he’s ready for the biggest stage of all.

“I just need to get the body in the best shape I can get it in, and get back and show I can play the good footy after an injury, and continue that form over the next few weeks,’’ said Reynolds, as he attended an NRL promotion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

“Hopefully that grants me an Origin jersey. But my main focus is getting back first (for Souths).

“It was a six to 12 week injury, I’m pretty confident I’ll be back before round 12, and this stage I’m aiming for round seven or round eight. It will depend on further scans and how it’s feeling.’’

Reynolds said he had dropped five kilos and tipped the scales at 81kg since he broke his jaw. A diet of soups and mashed potato was slowly being fazed out by chicken and pastas.

Reynolds said he wouldn’t rush back like he did last year, which featured him return from a knee injury suffered in the spiteful Good Friday clash and break his thumb. But he was already back running.

Adam Reynolds after his jaw was broken in a tackle against the Roosters. Picture: Brett Costello

The 25-year-old has really matured over the summer, according to teammates, and was ready to chase higher honours before his setback.

Whether Luke Keary or mature-aged rookie Cody Walker makes way for Reynolds in the halves when he returns will also be a good selection headache for Maguire.

“It might be me if they’re playing good footy,’’ said Reynolds, when asked to nominate a half who misses out when all three are fit.

“I’m sure ‘Madge’ (Maguire) has got a plan and will assess what’s going on the next few weeks. If all of us can fit into theone side we’ll be more than happy.’’