NRL 2021: Adam Reynolds confirms he could walk away from South Sydney Rabbitohs

Fresh after playing a starring role in defeating fierce rivals the Roosters, Adam Reynolds has delivered the news no Rabbitohs fan wants to hear.

Adam Reynolds wants a longer deal to stay at the Rabbitohs. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds has confirmed he could quit his beloved Bunnies if club officials don’t offer a contract measured in seasons, plural, saying: “It has to be a bit longer than one year for me”.
Despite his standing as a Rabbitohs favourite, 30-year-old Reynolds has confirmed he could walk away from the only NRL club he has ever known at the end of this season.

For a week, it has been suggested club officials will stand firm on a new contract offer of no more than 12 months.

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But after playing a key hand in beating the Roosters in Friday Night Football at Stadium Australia, the Souths No.7 confirmed such an offer would not be enough to keep him.
Quizzed on suggestions he could quit the Redfern club, Reynolds said: “You have to consider all your options.

Adam Reynolds wants a longer deal to stay at the Rabbitohs. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

“I’ve got a young family at home, a mortgage to pay off, so security for me is a big thing.
“With four kids at home it has to be a bit longer than one year for me. Security is a big thing for my family and I have to look after them first. Footy comes second.”

Earlier in the week, Reynolds’ agent Steve Gillis told The Daily Telegraph his client would have no choice but to walk unless Souths relented and offered a new deal spanning two or three years.
“Unless things change and Souths reassess their position, I don’t envisage Adam will be there in 2022,” he said. “Unless Souths are prepared to move, I can’t see him there.”

It was a statement the player himself confirmed on Friday night.

So given the Bunnies are now certain to make a real run for the NRL premiership in 2021, how long until the halfback hopes to have this rather large distraction sorted?

Adam Reynolds celebrates Souths’ win over the Roosters with Damien Cook. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“Before November would be nice,” he laughed. “But, no, I’m not in a rush.

“I’m not desperate to get things done.

“I‘ll just keep playing footy, keep trying to perform the best I can and let my manager worry about that. That’s what he gets paid for.”

Already, it has been suggested five NRL rivals could consider Reynolds — Wests Tigers, Gold Coast, North Queensland, Cronulla and Brisbane.
Asked how he was dealing with his contract being in the headlines daily, the playmaker cackled: “I didn’t realise that.
“But it is what it is. I’m happy playing footy and I’m loving every minute of this season.

“I’ve got a manager so he can sort all that stuff out. I don’t have to worry about it.
“My job is to go out there play footy and win games, that’s all I’m focused on.”

Adam Reynolds has earned praise from his coach Wayne Bennett. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

Speaking after the Roosters win, coach Wayne Bennett praised his halfback’s efforts saying: “If you’re trying to get yourself a new contract, the best thing you can do is play well and not sulk about it. And he’s not sulking about it, he’s getting on with it.

“He knows that whatever happens, his best option is to play well and people will want him.”
While Bennett brought Reynolds from the field nine minutes before fulltime, he said there were no concerns for the playmaker.
“He’s getting a bit old, just needs a rest now,” Bennett said. “The crowd wanted Benji (Marshall) on, so I didn’t want to disappoint.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Adam Reynolds confirms he could walk away from South Sydney Rabbitohs