NRL 2021: Adam Reynolds contract, Rabbitohs lead calls for salary cap revamp

As the Rabbitohs prepare to sit down with Adam Reynolds to sort out his future, the club has called for greater salary cap concessions for producing long-term players.

Adam Reynolds is seeking a long-term deal with South Sydney. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Adam Reynolds’ playing future at South Sydney will finally come to a head on Tuesday as the Rabbitohs call for a salary cap review into dispensation for long-serving players.

Reynolds and the Rabbitohs have been involved in a contract stand-off for the past month since the skipper rejected a one-year deal last month. Reynolds is prepared to leave the club unless they offer him a multi-year contract.

The Rabbitohs have maintained they want to keep Reynolds but are struggling to find the cap space to accommodate the premiership winner.

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The club will spend the next 48 hours exploring possibilities of offering Reynolds the deal he desires. Complicating matters is fellow half Cody Walker is off-contract at the end of next year.

The picture will become clearer for Reynolds on Tuesday when the parties finally speak formally. South Sydney’s head of football Mark Ellison will lead discussions with Reynolds’ manager Steve Gillis. Reynolds may attend if the meeting is face-to-face.

Adam Reynolds wants a multi-year contract at South Sydney, but the club is only offering a one-year deal. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

South Sydney boss Blake Solly said the game needed to do more to reward clubs who produce long-serving players.

“The club would love Adam to stay at the club for the remainder of his career and beyond his playing days like John Sutton recently has,” Solly said.

“We have a really strong squad with a mix of experienced and emerging talent but the current NRL salary cap, with the minuscule rewards for long-serving, one-club players like Adam, is designed to make it extremely hard for clubs to keep a squad together, reward loyalty and give opportunities for young players.

“(Penrith chief executive) Brian Fletcher has suggested some really sensible amendments that would provide some reward for clubs with long-serving, one-club players. Hopefully the NRL give these suggestions a proper review”.

Clubs are given just $188,000 in salary cap dispensation for one player long-serving player.

Aside from Reynolds, South Sydney also have Campbell Graham, Cameron Murray and Alex Johnston who could receive the cap relief.

Reynolds is doing his chances of gaining a contract no harm with another strong performance on Friday afternoon.

Reynolds said his show of affection for the Rabbitohs when he kissed the badge was a gesture of thanks to the Rabbitohs faithful after running away for a try during South Sydney’s 38-0 win against Canterbury.

“It’s for the fans, the fans have been terrific,” Reynolds said.

“The messages of support have been a bit overwhelming, I didn’t realise I had so much support going around. They’ve been fantastic, so that was a little message for the fans, a thank you.

Adam Reynolds showed his affection for the Bunnies after scoring a try in Souths’ big win over the Bulldogs. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“It‘s hard not to be (emotional). You check your messages and you have hundreds of messages from supporters and members wishing you the best, whether it’s to stay or to leave.

“They’re very loyal.

“I‘m certainly in no rush. My job is to turn up week in, week out, play good consistent football and win games for South Sydney.”

Reynolds conceded he had pondered life away from his junior club. Already the Cowboys are courting the 30-year-old.

“I‘ve had those thoughts, I’ve come to the realisation it might happen,” Reynolds said. “Security is everything for me and my family. I said before I don’t want to be signing one-year contracts for the rest of my life.

“If you ask any player my age they’d probably say the same. I still feel like I have another good three, four years in me, maybe five, who knows. But I’d like a minimum of two.”

Adam Reynolds admits he might have to leave South Sydney to secure a longer-term deal. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Walker is facing a one-game ban after being charged twice by the NRL’s match review committee. He will miss one game with an early guilty plea but two if he fights the charge and losses for a striking charge on Canterbury fullback Nick Meaney.

Walker was also charged for stepping on Bulldogs back-rower Corey Waddell but will only be hit with a fine.

Teammate Keaon Koloamatangi is also in doubt for Thursday’s game against Brisbane after being charged for a crusher tackle. He is facing a two-game ban for the tackle on Will Hopoate.

Brisbane’s Pat Carrigan will be banned for one game for a crusher on Christian Welch.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Adam Reynolds contract, Rabbitohs lead calls for salary cap revamp